Jerry Brown and Democrats team up on budget plan without GOP input

[cal04]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2011/06/brown-and-democrats-team-up-on-budget-plan-without-gop-input.html

Gov. Jerry Brown said Monday he was abandoning hopes of striking a bipartisan budget deal on taxes and instead would push through a spending plan solely with the support of Democratic lawmakers.

The new plan, which Brown unveiled in a joint news conference with the Democratic leaders, would rely on hopes for an economic surge generating billions more in windfall tax collections. Brown and the Democrats would agree in advance to further cutbacks in case the money does not materialize, though they did not immediately provide details on what programs would be cut.

A vote on the plan is scheduled as early as Tuesday, and Brown indicated he would sign it. The governor also said the new package would contain further cutbacks to the state’s courts and universities.

“We made tough decisions,” he said.

[ej510]

1. Our Universities are beyond hurting already, we cannot afford more cuts.

[BigDemVoter]

2. No we cannot. . . .

And I frankly don't see any relief coming. . . California was the envy of the nation when it came to excellence in education. . .

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. Welcome to DU, BigDemVoter!

Glad you found us!

:hi:

[PuffedMica]

3. Go Jerry!

California is a liberal - progressive state, and under the skilled leadership of an experience Democrat like Jerry Brown, it will once again be the jewel of the country. The first thing Jerry needs to do is stabilize the business environment to stimulate economic growth. Reversing the hideous policies of Arnold Schwarzenegger will go along way in fixing the problems.

[yawnmaster]

5. And this will be a balanced budget? I didn't see that spelled out anywhere...

It will be interesting to see the plan.

[Politicalboi]

6. Jerry should have supported

Prop 19, but now he wants more cuts. What an ass.

[Sirveri]

7. Brown has always been 'fiscally prudent', and he can't raise taxes.

He wants to get the budget within balance, so he has to cut. That's not his fault that's Prop 13's fault. Norquist strikes again!

[Sirveri]

8. He should have done this long before the special election deadline.

Now we've got pretty severe upper education cuts. I just hope they don't get any worse, since I know the Repukes could care less if people get a decent education for a reasonable price.

[Skink]

9. why do we ask them anyway?

[kelly1mm]

10. Because you need R's if you want to raise taxes, not just cut spending

to balance the budget. Due to Prop. 13, you need 2/3 vote to raise taxes. You only need a majority to cut spending. Democrats have a majority, but not 2/3. That is why R's were involved.