GOP Legislators Block Budget (California GOP Calls Democratic Girly Men On Their Budget Bloat Alert)

Los Angeles Times ^ | 06/16/05 | Evan Halper

[goldstategop]

Republicans, who until this week had been expecting Democrats to resist the governor's budget plans, said during Wednesday's debate that they had too little time to examine the details of the budget bill, that it defers too many costs, and that it leaves in place programs the state may be unable to afford in the future.

"It digs a deeper hole next year," Ackerman said. Separating the two sides is about $1.1 billion in spending — less than 1% of the budget. Democrats want to wait another year before repaying $600 million borrowed from local governments to balance last year's budget, and they want the state to sell about $500 million in bonds that the administration opposes.

The $1.1 billion would be used mostly to restore cuts that Schwarzenegger wants in social service and healthcare programs.

Administration finance director Tom Campbell said the state cannot afford to spend that money.

"The Legislature rejected a budget that used one-time money on permanent spending proposals," he said. "It was wise to reject that dangerous approach." ...

The spending addicts are back to score their fix once again," said Assemblyman Ray Haines (R-Murrieta). "Just like the common heroin addict, you are going to steal the money…. And you are going to justify the theft by saying the people you are doing this to are rich." ...

They want to punish all of you," Schwarzenegger said. "Even though you may think they haven't talked much about the sales tax [increase], the rumble is there," he said of legislators. "They say, what about a half-cent on the sales tax, what about bringing back the car tax? I say no, we have to live within our means. We have plenty of money in California."

[goldstategop]

The Democratic Girly Men haven't completely surrendered. They want Republicans to vote for a budget with no real details and that leaves open the door to more spending in the future by taxing the rich. Hrrumph! The majority party thinks we're idiot rednecks who fell off the back off a turnip truck and were born yesterday. The spending addicts keep on digging a hole. HULLOOO THERE! We need to stop digging and for its worth the Republican votes against the new budget were UNANIMOUS. Our party is in a good position heading into the fall campaign.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[GVnana]

Republican votes against the new budget were UNANIMOUS

Glad to see Haynes taking the stage on this.

[carumba]

I happen to feel that for his zinger, Ahnold gets much forgiveness. Girlie men still makes me smile.

[music is math]

$600 million borrowed from local governments

you know you're in fiscal trouble when...

[goldstategop]

These are the same people who attacked Arnold for shortchanging local government. And look at what they've done to local government in this poke of a budget...

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[bobjam]

Detroit has already proven "Atlas Shrugged". The high taxes have run out the income earners and now the city is nearly bankrupt. Will California be next?