Don’t look now, but the California state legislature has once again ignored the constitutional deadline for presenting a budget to the governor.
This violation has become common practice in a state where credibility is on the endangered species list. Not since 1986 has the legislature presented a budget to the governor on time.
But this year is different than most. For months, the legislature has known about the huge deficit, which now approaches $25 billion two weeks before the start of the fiscal year on July 1. A little perspective here: That number represents one-fourth of the state’s general fund, which is why the challenge is so critical. Cutting already battered state programs alone won’t do it. And for anyone out there who believes that state workers have all the money, here’s a sobering thought: We could fire every single state employee and save a whopping $6 billion.
This violation has become common practice in a state where credibility is on the endangered species list. Not since 1986 has the legislature presented a budget to the governor on time.
But this year is different than most. For months, the legislature has known about the huge deficit, which now approaches $25 billion two weeks before the start of the fiscal year on July 1. A little perspective here: That number represents one-fourth of the state’s general fund, which is why the challenge is so critical. Cutting already battered state programs alone won’t do it. And for anyone out there who believes that state workers have all the money, here’s a sobering thought: We could fire every single state employee and save a whopping $6 billion.
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