CA: GOP makes new proposal to break budget stalemate

Sac Bee ^ | 7/10/03 | Tom Chorneau - AP

[NormsRevenge]

SACRAMENTO -- In what could be the foundation of a possible budget agreement, Senate Republicans offered Wednesday ideas for trimming about $2.7 billion in spending -- at least some of which have already been proposed by Gov. Gray Davis.

Ranging from the elimination of $1 million in funding to help counties pay for special elections to the reduction of nearly $1 billion in assistance for local government, Senate Republicans are in agreement with the Democratic governor on a wide variety of issues, according to an analysis.

Expectations are that the list of more than 100 budget amendments proposed by Senate Republicans could serve as the seeds of an agreement on state spending that could unlock the stalemate now two weeks old.

"What we have proposed is really a very modest decrease in state spending," said Sen. Tom McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks. "The bottom line is that with so many families and small businesses having to make much deeper cuts of their own spending this year -- for the state to resist having to make only a $4 billion cut in its spending is unconscionable."

California's record deficit of $38.2 billion is the nation's largest. But progress on solving the fiscal crisis has moved slowly during the last few weeks as partisan politics have predominated.

But some budget observers have hope the Senate Republicans' latest plan could change the debate because it includes ideas that have come from other sources, including Davis' May budget proposal and those from other Democrats, Republicans and outside sources.

H.D. Palmer, spokesman for the Senate Republican Caucus, said called the plan a "menu" from many authors, most of which has already been shared with Democratic leaders.

Still, some ideas may not prove popular with Democrats, including proposals to cut some environmental protection programs. For example, the Senate Republicans would kill the California Coastal Commission, which would save $10 million. They would also cut funding for the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, saving about $3.5 million.

The Senate GOP plan would also renounce a variety of proposed fee increases, from air pollution permit fees to fish licenses and parking fees at parks. Combined, the elimination of the fee increases will add about $900 million to spending.

Like Davis, the Senate Republicans would divert money from urban redevelopment programs to schools, worth as much as $250 million.

Higher education would lose big dollars. The University of California would lose about $100 million for financial aid, research units and other programs.

Public health programs would also take a hit. Republicans would save $76 million by eliminating 12-month Medi-Cal eligibility for low-income children. There is also a provision for Medi-Cal patients to provide a co-payment for services, saving the state about $31 million.

Some optional benefits now provided by the state -- such as dental services -- would also be reduced by the Republicans, saving almost $700 million.

[NormsRevenge]

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[Tai_Chung]

...for the state to resist having to make only a $4 billion cut in its spending is unconscionable."

The 2003-2004 Budget shows spending of $96.437 Billion. I can imagine a spending reduction of less than 5% is painful.

[DoughtyOne]

"What we have proposed is really a very modest decrease in state spending," said Sen. Tom McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks. "The bottom line is that with so many
families and small businesses having to make much deeper cuts of their own spending this year -- for the state to resist having to make only a $4 billion cut in its
spending is unconscionable."

California's record deficit of $38.2 billion is the nation's largest. But progress on solving the fiscal crisis has moved slowly during the last few weeks as partisan
politics have predominated.

Here is just one more problem for the Republican rank and file to deal with in California.  Last year this time we had a budget deficit of $25 billion.  Twelve months later we have a budget deficit of $38 billion.  Figure out for yourself what the rate of loss is.  Here Tom McClintock supports a plan to cut $4 billion in state spending.

What a guy!  Why this will solve everything Tom.  Nice job.

So who do you vote for, Democrat full strength or Democrat lite (10% less calories)?

[Brilliant]

What is the existing level of state debt in the State of California?

[jocko12]

NO NEW TAXES OR FEES AND BIGGER SPENDING CUTS!!!!

[Uncle Hal]

I notice the liberal press is doing more and more hit pieces on the recall movement and the GOP in CA. in general. The LA Times had an article today saying 4 big business exectives decried the recall movement. In passing it mentioned that 3 were fat cat Dems and the 4th was a registered Rep. but was a big Democratic donor. So much for balance. We just have to hang in there. I am proud of our GOP legislature members in Sacramneto. At least so far, they have do a great job.

[NormsRevenge]

It's not just the California press and media outlets, Its nationwide.

We are seeing the left mount a vigorous and coordinated attack on the rights of the people in this and many states ability to act accordingly when incompetence and corruption reaches the levels it has.

I, too, am proud of those who stand tall and firm in Scaramento for sane govt and do not support runamuck socialist policies and policymakers.

[DoughtyOne]

We are going into debt at the rate of $1.1 billion per month. In reaction the Republican leader proposes to cut back $333 million per month. That still leaves a negative cash flow of $750 million per month. Even with these cuts California will still add $9 billion to it's deficit in the next twelve months.

That's why I laugh at the idea this is a fix.

With these cuts California will be $47 billion dollars in debt next year and $75 billion in debt by our next Gubenatorial election.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

calgov2002:

calgov2002: for old calgov2002 articles. 

calgov2002: for new calgov2002 articles. 

Other Bump Lists at: Free Republic Bump List Register

[goldstategop]

We need to cut spending to the bone. If you think our liberals are whimpering now, just wait til your hear the screams when they realize its finit to their long hoped for dream of creating a Sweden On The Pacific here.

[DoughtyOne]

Both parties would yelp like wounded puppies if we cut off their pocket book. The dems might yelp louder. I have to tell you, I NEVER thought I'd see the day when a main stream Republican in California would champion a plan that only cut our deficit spending by one third, then pat himself on the back.

[Southack]

So cut off their pocket book big guy.

Start your petition tomorrow morning to gain enough signatures to get on the next election ballot a measure that caps state spending and places felony charges on any judges who try to derail it.

900,000 valid signatures and poof, you've got yourself a proposition onto the ballot for the state to vote on.

So why carp on those hated politicians to get off of their bums?! You've got the power, do it!

[DoughtyOne]

California's state constitution forbids deficit spending.

We've been in deficit for three years now.

Any questions?