At one point the Governor said he wanted to "blow up the boxes" of government. He didn't
Then he said he wanted to tear up the credit cards. He didn't.
Then he called the spending addicted Democrats "girly men". He apologized
In 2006 he berated Phil Angelides as someone who would raise taxes, something he would not do. Phil never got a chance, while Arnold is doing what he accused Phil of wanting to do
In 2007 he created a reserve fund in the budget. Within eight weeks of signing the budget the reserve was already spent.
Now he has compromised on the budget--by siding with the Democrats on a tax raise.
He has tried to cut the wages of janitors and attorneys, to minimum wage. The State Controller refused to violate the law and contracts, so the Guv sued. But the courts will not hear the case till at least September 12.
In 2005, the last time the legislature refused to pass legislation, the Governor called a Special Election. He lost all of his measures, fired his Republican staff and hired Susan Kennedy (formerly of the Gray Davis staff) and many other Democrats.
Tonight the SF Chronicle is reporting that the Governor is saying he will call another Special Election if he does not get his way on water bonds and the creation of a reserve fund.
It should be noted that if all the bonds on the November 4th ballot are passed, that will cost the State $2.7 billion in debt service on the new bonds in the next year--without any revenue to pay it. In other words, the bonds will add $2.7 billion to the already planned $10 billion deficit in the new budget (unless cuts are made). If the Guvs water bond is passed, add another $300 million to the deficit.
A lot is at stake in this budget. Doubt if there is much support by GOP'ers or Dems for a Special Election.
What do you think, would you support another Special Election?
I have no problem with tax raises.
I do, however, have a problem with the politicians not using that money wisely.
Also, too many complainers aren't holding our representatives responsible. Make them get back to work and stop dilly dalling.
Gray Davis was recalled on lesser grounds. The only way, unfortunately, to solve this immense problem is to recall the guv.
Gray Davis was recalled on lesser grounds. The only way, unfortunately, to solve this immense problem is to recall the guv.
Rick Roberts a San Diego radio talk show host has started a campaign to Recall the Governor. Won't go anywhere.
It is now Day 52 without a budget and REPUBLICANS STILL CANNOT come up with 15 billion in cuts.
Glad to see you support budget cuts instead of higher taxes!!
At least the governor is making proposals to try to get us out of this mess. The legislature, in contrast, is in gridlock. In particular the blame is on the Republicans, who are demanding more cuts despite the fact that the Sacramento Bee reported that essentially the entire deficit is due to actions of the Republicans: 1. insisting on laws that create higher incarceration and 2. removing the vehicle license fee.
If there is no budget by next week, I face the prospect of laying off a valuable worker who gets paid on a state contract. She provides valuable services, and this is going to be a huge loss to the state. We're talking about this budget idiocy causing real, permanent damage to real people and California's human infrastructure. This delay is ridiculous, and it's not serving the interests of Califorrnians in any way.