Posted on 01/12/2011 8:17:15 AM PST by SmithL
Akey factor in Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to balance the state budget is whether he and fellow Democrats could do it by themselves, or whether the votes of at least a few Republican legislators would be required.
Politicians and stakeholders are consulting attorneys, but at the moment, no one appears to know for certain – in part because the sections of the state constitution involved have never been legally tested.
There's no question that Brown and Democratic leaders want at least some Republican support for placing billions of dollars in income, sales and car taxes on a special election ballot in June because it would aid the campaign to persuade voters to approve the levies. Brown says it's "much better if this is a bipartisan effort."
Brown adds that he's hopeful Republicans "are not locked in stone in opposition" to asking voters for more revenue by extending temporary taxes that are expiring, although he acknowledges that with strong opposition from anti-tax groups, "they'll be very hesitant."
Republicans who voted for the temporary taxes two years ago were hammered by anti-tax groups and radio talkers. So far, GOP leaders have shunned an election to extend them.
If that holds, Brown and his chief legislative partner, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, leave open the possibility of moving ahead without a supermajority vote.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
...leave open the possibility of moving ahead without a supermajority vote.
The entire purpose of Prop 25 was to allow the Rats to increase taxes without the assistance of any Republicans.
Birds gotta fly, andRATS gotta tax!
I listened to a discussion (Hannity?) last night that made the point that Gov Moonbean’s massive cuts were SOLELY targeted at the citizens and poor.
NOT ONE CUT INVOLVING UNIONS.
HE CONSIDERS THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA NOTHING MORE THAN A MILK COW TO SUPPORT THE UNIONS.
And they wonder why we never take them seriously when they say any tax is only a “temporary” tax.
There is still a Republican party in Kali-fornia?
Actually, there is a 8-10% paycut for state employees.
The Aristocracy of the public "servant".
And they will be required to be at work 15% fewer hours, for a net 7% time off with pay.
Wrong. Prop. 25 allows the Democrats to pass a budget by a majority vote.
Tax and fee increases still require a super-majority vote for adoption.
Specifically they were talking about his refuasal to address the unbelievable cost of the State employees retirement benefit debt. Interesting since the drumbeat out of D.C is to cut Soc Sec benes.
It seems the UNIONS have their fangs in the neck of the Ameican Public and NO ONE has the guts to take them on.
“Actually, there is a 8-10% paycut for state employees.”
Not if they are union employees.
Instant recall effort against any GOP legislators who vote for any increase in taxes or even to place Moonbeam’s tax hike initiative on the ballot.
Instant. Recall. Effort.
You are absolutely correct. However, the game plan is for the legislature to place an extension of the temporary tax increase on the June Ballot without any Republican votes. The logic is convoluted, but it was always part of their plan for Prop 25.
Only those that aren’t covered by collective bargaining (unions)
“Only those that aren’t covered by collective bargaining (unions)”
No. SEIU and some of the other unions had already settled for 8-10 % cuts. New employees will have reduced pension benefits. Of course in the future that could be reversed as it was in the past.
Unions always have protest whistles out & the ‘Volume’ turned all the way up High.
The more spending they get, the bigger the check from dues to Rat political activities.
Union dues are calculated as a % of salaries. The higher the salaries, the greater the Rat rents.
Union salaries & pensions are not based on individual performance or skill levels; they are decided by how much political money Rats need to raise for a coming election cycle.
Public union salaries have nothing to do with supply-demand market forces (peaceful free trade & competition).
Gov. Brown would rather go straight to H*ll than tamper with the Rats’ main ATM - CA tax Receipts & Bankrupt Spending levels.
Let’s hope the business flight, job losses, and severe damage to private household budgets causes even dumbest Rats to vote to defeat any “apportionment” (tax) increase Proposition on the ballot.
I thought the cuts only applied to the nonunion. those that signed deals with the previous gov won’t be affected. those that didn’t sign a deal are not being cut.
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