California: Assembly can't agree on budget as deadline passes ( Republicans holding firm so far)

The Orange County Register ^ | July 1, 2002 | STEVE LAWRENCE The Associated Press

[Gophack]

You're preaching to the choir, but remember ... I told you that the four people who caved on last years' budget are still in the Legislature and are NOT seeking election to any other seat. Some are angry that they were opposed in the primary by Senate leadership, some angry that they were ostracized by their colleagues, and some are just plain liberal.

We also have the press completely against us, and I don't know if our message -- which is a good one -- will even see the light of day. Look why the media is doing to Bill Simon! They barely report on his activities and he's running for governor in the largest state in the country!

[dpwiener]

the four people who caved on last years' budget are still in the Legislature and are NOT seeking election to any other seat. Some are angry that they were opposed in the primary by Senate leadership, some angry that they were ostracized by their colleagues, and some are just plain liberal.

Yep, that's the big danger, that the same four people will eventually cave this year. The good news is that they were bought off last year with piles of pork for their districts, which it was assumed would strengthen them politically. Instead their constituents were outraged, and it destroyed them politically, thereby serving as an object lesson to other Republicans. The bad news is that Davis can still buy them off by surreptitiously offering lucrative appointments to various boards and commissions when their terms end.

By the way, here's some news analysis from today's Contra Costa Times which argues that a budget impasse is very bad for Davis:

While the political fallout for legislators may be debatable, few doubt that a prolonged budget stalemate would hurt Gov. Gray Davis, the Democratic incumbent who is seeking re-election this year. The falloff in state revenue, the resulting $23.4 billion deficit and the governor's attempt to manage it has already generated a storm of criticism.

The financial trouble has forced Davis into the politically unsavory position of cutting government services and advocating for higher taxes and fees. A drawn-out battle to pass a budget is certain to create more bad press.

[The Iceman Cometh]

You go repubs!!! The school budget needs to be decreased too. I know of one school that created 8 new positions!! But "that's fine"...ugh. Many many schools just WASTE money!

We have the same type of lunacy here in Idaho. Some districts had to lay off staff while another posted a position for a 'Cheerleading Coach'

[heleny]

Vehicle fees would more than double for one year.... For example, the license fee for a 2002 vehicle purchased for $33,000 would jump from $215 to $497.

Yikes, maybe we shouldn't buy a new car to replace our old polluting smogcheck-exempt car!

AB1493 would require the CARB to reduce greenhouse emissions from non-commercial vehicles, and that might include the 50-cent gas tax, mileage fees, SUV/truck surcharges, etc. It's just like AB1058, and AB1493 passed the state Senate last Saturday.

An assistant to Assemblywoman Kehoe (D-76) said that AB1493 might have already passed the Assembly today. Have you heard about this? I can't tell from the Assembly page. If it's true, I really hope Davis won't sign it.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I have no idea, I've been in and out today!

I'll look at R&T!

[heleny]

I heard on the radio today. AB 1493 was pushed through quickly to avoid attention, and passed the Assembly today. Now it's for Gray Davis to decide.

Remember, he wanted AB1058 on his desk, without saying whether or not he'd support it. He might hold out for a few days to collect more campaign contributions. With his own poll numbers going down in the tubes, maybe there's a chance he'll veto it. Or, maybe he'll just continue to shoot himself in the foot.