Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told The Bee's editorial board today that if legislators don't go along with his proposed increase in the sales tax, they must have an alternative plan that closes the state's widening budget gap. He said he's offered his budget solution, and now lawmakers must see what parts of it they like and what parts they oppose. Then they must act.
Schwarzenegger wants to raise revenues by $4.7 billion -- mostly from a "temporary" sales tax increase -- and make an additional $4.5 billion in spending cuts. But if tax increases are off the table -- at least among Republican lawmakers -- the Legislature must come up with at least $9.2 billion in spending cuts.
The Legislature is in special session and the governor said he wants a budget solution within 14 days. He predicted that "substantive action" will come from the special session, even though many legislative observers are predicting more gridlock.
I asked him why he's optimistic that the same people who ducked a budget solution in September are going to come up with a workable plan now. He said the circumstances have changed and they are "so severe" that legislators know they must solve the problem quickly.
The governor is correct. My suggestion is to question the actions of the legislators. We already know what they won't do; the public is waiting, along with the governor, to hear what they will do.
Spot on Kim!
Both sides need to realize that we can't fix this mess with only budget cuts or tax hikes alone. We need to raise more revenue (that's taxes), while finding ways to make cuts without hurting those who have the least means to cope. Draconian cuts to our education system will only hurt us in both the short term and long term, so those have to be handled carefully, too.
The Governor also needs to show the flexibility he is demanding from the Legislature. The Legislative Analyst has proposed increasing the car tax to 1% (it was 2% before Arnold cut it), but the Governor has resisted that idea. Are our cars the only things that are too sacred to be messed with?
Everyone is ignoring California's biggest budget drainer because it is not politically correct. However in these desperate times we need to address the fact that we can no longer continue to support illegal immigrants. Why is it that I cannot afford medical insurance yet an illegal is given free medical coverage? It has been going on for years and it needs to stop. I have worked my entire life like most Americans yet have nothing to show for it. To take my taxes and support illegals is ludacris and maddening. Americans first in America, period. These spineless politicians won't address the biggest issue because it makes waves. We need waves. We need a tsunami. Grow a spine Governor. Raising taxes when we are beyond stretched already just makes us despise our government more. The governator lives his rich life and is clueless how real citizens are fighting just to survive. Do the right thing and put tax paying Americans first in America. Americans first in America. We deserve more.
Most of the illegal immigrants in California are Americans. A good chunk of the people living in the western hemisphere are Americans, north and south.
"Illegal" Find the definition in the dictionary. They are not Americans. Fact. Illegal immigrants drain money from tax paying United States citizens, Many who also cannot afford the American dream. The laws should be followed if one wants the right and privilege to become an American. I am putting no one down. If someone "illegally" steals from a store, do we reward them by letting them keep the stolen merchandise? Time to cut the fat and put our money back into America such as Health benefits, schools and new infrastructure. It's time to grow a spine and stop the decinigration of our country. How about the American government just tax those of you who support illegals living in America. The percentage of taxes to be voluntarily paid (by you) would be divided by the number of you who are willing to pay for services needed to support the millions of illegals. Now, That should be put on the ballot.
You missed my joke Amber. The United States as a country is situated in North America where Canada and Mexico are; both full of Americans. Then there's Central America and South America; also both full of Americans. That's because both continents are called The Americas.
Re: "adam"
Xenophobia is not part of a good sense of humor.