(California)Governor's plan means big cuts (Schwarzenegger to slash 18% from budget)

Contra Costa Times ^ | Nov. 20, 2003 | Daniel Borenstein and Andrew LaMar

[FairOpinion]

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's recovery plan will require slashing at least 18 percent from the state's budget for programs such as higher education, social services, welfare and corrections, according to a Times analysis.

After three days in office, Schwarzenegger has provided few details about where he plans to cut. But his comments and proposals so far suggest drastic reductions in almost every state-funded agency except kindergarten through twelfth grade and community college education.

Now, if voters reject his borrowing plan, he faces a $26 billion shortfall. If they accept it, about $12 billion in cuts still will be needed.

H.D. Palmer, the governor's finance spokesman, said there's no alternative to making cuts.

"If we don't start making the difficult but necessary decisions to finally get this state's fiscal house in order, life as you know it is going to change dramatically and for the worse," he said.

"It is not outside the realm of the possible that the state will run out of cash to pay its bills. We're running out of places to borrow.

[mike_9958]

Bill Gates should buy the state.....

Lots of beach front property.

[JakeWyld]

I imagine this is going to be how he will have to accomplish any major tasks. Although, I guess that will depend on how much the dems in the legislature give him the "sour grapes".

[Owens08]

was a terrible movie - he wanted to fund all these socialist programs -- ya it was cutsie or whatever, but the policies promoted were terrible!