California Passes $86 Billion Budget Without New Taxes
Californians made it easier for their lawmakers to pass a budget, but you might not be able to tell from all the drama. Perhaps you heard that Gov. Jerry Brown (above) vetoed a budget passed by his own party, Republicans managed to block voters from approving new taxes and the state controller stopped paying legislators. (more)
Californians made it easier for their lawmakers to pass a budget, but you might not be able to tell from all the drama. Perhaps you heard that Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a budget passed by his own party, Republicans managed to block voters from approving new taxes and the state controller stopped paying legislators.
Still, a new budget passed with plenty of time — two days left in the fiscal year. Unfortunately, the Statehouse was forced to make even deeper cuts to programs like education and law enforcement, and lawmakers may have exaggerated future revenues just a little.
Brown, a Democrat, is expected to pursue tax increases through California’s notorious proposition process. — PZS
Your support matters…Contra Costa Times via San Jose Mercury News:
Without a deal to go the ballot for an extension on sales, income and car taxes, Brown and Democrats decided to rely on the projected revenues. But they also increased the pain for many who had already suffered through budget cuts.
Democrats added more cuts to higher education: the University of California and California State University had already taken $500 million each in cuts, and were each dealt another $150 million in cuts.
The courts and justice department are to take hits of $100 million more, as well, drawing howls of outrage from all corners.
Independent journalism is under threat and overshadowed by heavily funded mainstream media.
You can help level the playing field. Become a member.
Your tax-deductible contribution keeps us digging beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that unearths what's really happening- without compromise.
Give today to support our courageous, independent journalists.
Environment
More than half of discretionary spending goes to the military. Only a tiny fraction addresses the most urgent threat to our security.
Editorial Cartoons
Military
A new budget loophole will send Pentagon spending soaring even higher.
Politics
House GOP says Pentagon budget is safe—but social security and Medicare aren't.
The budget proposal offers a terrifying preview of what we can expect from Trump if he wins another four years in office.
Deficits averaging 4.8% of GDP are foreseen over the course of the coming decade; experts say anything above 3% is unsustainable.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.