[kingu]

Remember, Tom was the only one to vote against the deficit budget this year. That deficit is actually going to end up as a surplus, mostly from higher taxes that are coming in from gas prices.

Be that as it may, 2/3rds of the legislature has to approve the budget at this point. 2/3rds of the legislature has to approve higher taxes. 2/3rds of the legislature can override a veto of the budget.

Mid year corrections would not be subject to legislature review. Actual corrections can be made to bring the budget back into line.

That's why Tom supports it, even with the poison 10 billion credit card. Without it, there will be no control over the money in California.

Remember - over sixty percent voted to ban gay marriage in this state. Two thirds of the state senate voted for changing the law to bring in gay marriage. There is no fear in Sacramento. Arnold blew it by not using his celebrity at the start, by his trying to 'play fair' and 'work with others.' These folks don't work with others.

[Amerigomag]

That deficit is actually going to end up as a surplus, mostly from higher taxes that are coming in from gas prices.

Article 19 of the California Constitution creates the state highway account, into which all tax revenues on motor vehicle fuels are deposited. Article 19 restricts the use of these gas tax revenues primarily to streets and highways. It also permits gas tax to be used for fixed guideways for public transit (but not vehicles or operating costs), state law enforcement (i.e. Highway Patrol), and environmental mitigation from use of motor vehicles, specifically air and sound emissions.

Gas taxes are not General Fund revenues and have no effect on surpluses or deficits unless the legislature and the executive agree to divert the funds and that is subject to court challenge.