Posted on 01/06/2012 9:00:58 AM PST by SmithL
SACRAMENTO -- Putting schools and voters squarely in the middle of what could be an explosive battle over taxes, Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday laid out a fiscal blueprint that heavily relies on cash the state doesn't yet have.
Brown called for a budget that assumes $6.9 billion in new revenues from a tax measure he plans to take to voters in November. The governor says passage of the measure would wipe out a $9.2 billion deficit through mid-2013 and give schools $4.9 billion more than this fiscal year.
It was the opening act to what will be Brown's main political thrust this year: to persuade voters that without new revenues California's grim times will become even bleaker.
If voters reject the taxes, new cuts of $5.4 billion -- including the new funding for schools -- would be triggered, on top of the $4.2 billion in cuts that Brown has proposed for the next budget year, which begins July 1. Those potential cuts could reduce the school year by three weeks.
And whether the taxes pass or not, billions of dollars more will by slashed from welfare and other social service programs.
"It's not nice, we don't like it, but the economy and the tax statutes of California make just so much money available," Brown said at a news conference in which he hastily released his budget after a state employee inadvertently posted it on the Department of Finance's website. "It is a hardship and it is a burden, and I'd much rather it not happen. That's why I'm proposing (taxes) to try to mitigate these cuts."
Brown is proposing a temporary half-cent hike in the sales tax and a temporary income-tax increase on individuals who make $250,000 or more a year.
(Excerpt) Read more at contracostatimes.com ...
Democrat Hostage Taking at its finest.
If they just cut back to the 3R’s, that wouldn’t be so bad. But the 3R’s will be sacrificed to the LBGT agenda.
“temporary” tax hike, my pale a$$
Reality ..... this will be interesting to watch...
Again the Rats claim that failure to increase spending is a 'spending cut'.
In Democrat lingo, Temporary means Permanent.
Cutting means not getting to add to the already existing allocation.
LOL
I think he wanted to spring this on us while we were still learning the 724 new laws just passed...
cripes.
“Jerry Brown.....laid out a financial blueprint that relies on money the state doesn’t have.” Pardon me, but isn’t that the very definition of insanity?
“This bridge don’t need no stinkin’supports!” said Jerry Brown. “My wishes will hold it up!”
Oh, Californians, you have a madman running your state.
BUT he says they can afford tuition discounts for illegals. Maryland Democrats (gov Martin O Malley) are pulling the same scam here.
Tired of whack job states like California.
Otherwise,move!
You can bet that the $4.8 Billion won’t come out of the bloated pensions of the teachers.
What a shame that the CA tax payers aren’t eager to reward the schools for turning out such a first class product. /<s
Brown used this time worn tactic last time he was Guv.
Simply call him on his “Budget Terrorism” and tell him to cut failed ESC research, LGBT promotion, abortion financing, and benefits to illegal aliens.
How much could be made up if the unions paid say 5% more on retirement and health insurance premiums?
“’temporary’ tax hike, my pale a$$”
No hay problema. El gobernor wants to raise taxes on the rich so I can get more handouts from the goberment. /s
Que es gay
Anyone with half a brain should have left that state years ago.
eliminate public education and save a whole lot more!!!
Remove only money used on non-citizens and the schools would have a surplus.
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