Tuesday, February 17, 2009

California Is A Mess

Will California go bankrupt?

After a frustrating holiday weekend that failed to yield the one vote needed to end California's budget stalemate, the state is poised to begin layoff proceedings Tuesday for 20,000 government workers. In addition to the layoffs, the state also plans to halt all remaining public works projects, potentially putting thousands of construction workers out of jobs.

Senate leader Darrell Steinberg announced late Monday that lawmakers had failed to find the final vote in his chamber as Republicans refused to support tax increases. He called a session for Tuesday and said he would put the tax provisions of the budget proposal up for a vote, even if they would not pass.

The plan includes $15.1 billion in program cuts, $14.4 billion in temporary tax increases and $11.4 billion in borrowing. The package also would send five ballot measures to voters in a special election to be held May 19.

Despite the warnings of impending fiscal calamity, most rank-and-file Republicans have refused to agree to higher taxes. Republican lawmakers blamed Democrats for years of overspending.
I think the answer if obvious. Start closing down all services in districts where the reps have voted no. You vote no, the DMV office gets closed. You vote no, we start releasing prisoners from your jails. You vote no, you start drinking untreated water. You vote no, the hospital emergency rooms in your area will be closed.

C'mon Governator, apply some real pressure to these goons. If their constituents don't want to pay taxes, they don't get services. It's simple.

3 comments:

Mom said...

Your plan sounds very reasonable to me, but, then, I am a Democrat.

Anonymous said...

I hear you. Even though the Idaho U.S. congressional delegation (all R) voted against the stimulus, we're getting a billion dollars anyway, which has the state legislature salivating. I say, cut us off! If it's tainted money and it's irresponsible to spend it, ...DON'T. Let us go down the tubes with California; we're not far behind.
--Alex

Anonymous said...

Hello Gavin, just wanted to drop by and say hello. I have been away for a while but hope to catch up with you and your blog real soon, hugs, Mark