CA: Perata says he has budget deal with Schwarzenegger, needs GOP votes (including "spending cap")

Sac Bee ^ | 8/13/08 | Jim Sanders

[NormsRevenge]

Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata said today that Democrats have negotiated key points of a compromise state budget with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and that he considers negotiations over.

"I think we've, frankly, gone about as far as we can go," the Oakland Democrat said.

Perata said the compromise plan includes a major concession by Democrats - a spending cap to limit annual state expenditures.

Republicans have been insisting on a spending cap as part of any budget pact.

"The question continues to be, are there Republican votes for it?" Perata said of the compromise plan.

The ball is in Schwarzenegger's court, he suggested.

"A Republican governor should have some sway over Republicans," he said.

Other key elements of the compromise plan include a temporary 1-cent increase in the state sales tax and a rainy-day fund to sock money away in boom years.

Perata did not elaborate on details of the proposed spending cap, but said it was intended to break the current standoff with Republicans.

"We've said to the governor, 'What do you need in order to move forward?' So we've negotiated on that point," Perata said.

"I'll guarantee you that there won't be anybody in the house that's going to be happy with the conclusion. But it is a compromise - new revenues and program cuts, and no borrowing."

[NormsRevenge]

Pay no attention to the sales tax hike “temporary” of course, and forget offshore drilling.. the spirit of Bozo lives on ..

[AngelesCrestHighway]

“a temporary 1-cent increase in the state sales tax”

Temporary?....Yeah, riiiight!!!!

[jrp]

Any real spending cuts?

[SoConPubbie]

The socialists and Marxists are in control here in California.

[edcoil]

Nope but watch the positive spin on the spending cap...

The spending cap is suppose to be the revenue received. Our Constitution states the government must have a balanced budget, i.e. no more spending then income coming in.

Arnold is about as popular as cold weather here and is just giving up his leadership role as Governor to the leftist running the senate.

[El Cid]

...Perata said the compromise plan includes a major concession by Democrats - a spending cap to limit annual state expenditures...

Oh great, we get to repeat the Lucy/Charlie Brown kicking the football experience...
Unless we actually cut/eliminate programs and government functions that shouldn't exist (which is probably 1/2 of what they do) -- this is all smoke and mirrors.
Promise them anything - and give them a pez...

[fremont_steve]

“The socialists and Marxists are in control here in California.”

And you are surprised by this?? ;-)

Hmm - why aren’t we going to have to vote on the “Temporary” sales tax increase? Isn’t this covered by Prop 13 requirements????

[RJL]

"A Republican governor should have some sway over Republicans," he said.

True, but California has a Girly-Man liberal Democrat as Gov.

[NormsRevenge]

Not really. They did most of their series paring “to the bone” last go around, they are running on vapors here..

It’s either tax a bunch or borrow which they already have done too much or crash..

Of course all the smoke mand mirrors tricks than can be tried have been or are currently in effect. Selling the lottery bombed, tribal gaming income is down, it’s hard times ahead for sure.

The state’s leaders will do all they can to spread the pain of their efforts around is about all we can be assured will come out of this latest round.

[CounterCounterCulture]

"A Republican governor should have some sway over Republicans," (Perata) said.

Bwa-ha-ha-ha-haaaaaaaaaaaa. Quote of the day. ;-)

[blue state conservative]

Most state governments have some sort of spending cap law, and I believe the Federal government has had one since the 80s. They are toothless and nothing but a fig leaf for tax raisers.

And when will the MSM start showing some journalistic skepticm about the tax being temporary? How many times does Lucy have to yank the football?

[goldstategop]

This was negotiated between the Democrats and Red Arnold. I don't think the spending cap is the kind the CAGOP is seeking. And the tax increase is objectionable on principle. Why should legislative Republicans agree to commit to vote for a "deal" to which none of them were involved in crafting?

"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

[Oldpuppymax]

A republican governor should have some sway...well, let us know when you elect one!

[sailor4321]

I thought a 1 cent tax increase wasn’t going to provide enough money to cover the shortfall, let alone provide money for a “rainy day fund”. So, what substantial spending cuts are being made?

[calcowgirl]

Assume the posiiton: bohica

[John Jorsett]

Temporary like the Spanish American war long distance tax was temporary. Like 100 years temporary.

[businessprofessor]

"A Republican governor should have some sway over Republicans," he said.

Does California have a Republican governor? Have I been asleep? Is he the governor who is trying to save the state from climate change and the ravages of off shore oil exploration?

[rahbert]

Blood Suckahs!