[ElkGroveDan]

...and every solution under the sun will be proposed save for one; reducing spending.

[rellimpank]

---limited success at reining in spending--has he even really tried?

[Carry_Okie]

In all, the projected shortfall has grown to at least $8 billion, say administration officials who asked not to be named. That's $1.3 billion more than was projected last month by the nonpartisan legislative analyst's office, which lawmakers look to on budget matters.

I was reading about a structural shortfall of $8 billion about three years ago, primarily caused by Proposition 8: class-size reduction.

Seeing as class-size reduction didn't work, shall we put the teachers back to work?

[DoughtyOne]

The actual deeds of this governor are going to be harder and harder to defend, as this state continues to take on water.

Take the axe to spending Governor. You and the rest of us will live, if you do. Quit allowing your leftist pals to convince you otherwise.

[William Tell]

From the linked article: "The news that spending on state prisons is $210 million over budget ..."

I so look forward to the day when Kalifornians realize that they cannot afford to imprison otherwise law-abiding citizens for keeping and bearing arms. Until that point is reached, I remain deaf to pleas for more taxes. Let them eat cake.

[Frohickey]

There is a very very easy fix to this budget shortfall, and it could be done so easily, without the endless debates on which state programs and budgets to cut.

1) Look at how much the state takes in. Add it all up to come up with a total revenue number.
2) Look at previous budgets and the actual monies spent on state programs in 2003. 3) If the number in #1 is more than the number in #2, apply that budget, and only fund those programs within that previous year's budget. All other programs since then are not going to be funded. 4) If the number in #1 is less than the number in #2, look at the 2002 budget. Keep going back in history until a match is found.

[12 Gauge Mossberg]

But this can't be! Arnold came in on his white horse and said he was going to reform the state! C'mon he's a Republican this is no big deal.