Free Republic

<p>SACRAMENTO -Assembly Democrats unveiled a long-range $6 billion budget solution Wednesday that they contend ``chops down'' the state's mountainous deficit over the next 15 months to a ``manageable'' $8 billion to $13 billion.</p> <p>Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson presented the plan of budget cuts, borrowing and fund shifts after a nearly three-hour closed-door meeting with 48 Democrats. Dubbing it an ``April package,'' Wesson aims to lobby for Republican support in the days ahead and take a vote Tuesday or Wednesday. The cuts would take effect in the new 2003-2004 budget year beginning July 1.</p>