Posted on 08/16/2007 2:05:39 PM PDT by goldstategop
It will take at least $2.9 billion of reductions to truly balance the budget and provide a prudent reserve. If that sounds like a lot, it would still leave the state spending $8.5 billion more than the year before last, and nearly $22 billion more than at the outset of this administration.
Most Senate Republicans are asking for much less than that: just the $700 million of spending reductions that would balance the budget, if only on paper.
So far, the governor's pledge to use his line-item veto to make those reductions doesn't ring true. For example, about $160 million of the "cuts" his staff has outlined simply push Medi-Cal payments one month into the next fiscal year -- akin to making your December mortgage payment in January for a big year-end "savings." These are the kind of bookkeeping gimmicks that put us in this mess. They're not going to get us out.
Senate Republicans tried to take up $800 million of specific budget amendments to break the impasse and at least cushion the state's fiscal fall, but Senate Democrats refused even to consider them before they left town.
In order to reach an agreement, both sides need to be engaged in a discussion -- and that's where the process has broken down. Budgets cannot be balanced with happy thoughts and pixie dust, and Republicans can't negotiate with themselves.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Most Republicans in Congress weren’t concerned about spending when they controled Congress with Bush in the White House, for many years, so I find it odd that they all of the sudden decide to become fiscally responsible....
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
This is the CA State budget, not the Federal.
Tom McClintock would make a terrific Vice President or cabinet member in a future GOP Presidential administration!
Thank God for Tom.
The idiot governator wants to due away with the 2/3rd majority, and go to a simple majority to pass the state budget.
PING!
McClintock Ping List.
Please freepmail me if you want on or off this list
McClintock subbed for Roger Hedgecock today.
He was wonderful.
It’s a constant battle to combat the liberal media and Schwarzenegger propaganda machine.
I’m glad he takes the time to do it—I wish there were more of him!
BTTT
Today, 8/17 ... Tom is on at 810 or so on KSFO
Tom on with Melanie Morgan Hill and Brian Sussman and Ossifer Vic.
810 am PT
http://www.ksfo560.com/home.asp
Thanks! I only half-listened, but I got the distinct impression that the gloves are OFF! (Finally!)
Thank you!
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