Until now, a state budget required approval by two-thirds of the legislature. But voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 25, which changes that vote requirement to just over half.
Democratic Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg says that between having a Democratic Governor, Jerry Brown, and the passage of this measure, he's optimistic that California's lengthy budget delays are over for good.
"It is a big win. I'm very glad that prop 25 passed because I think it will reduce the leverage and ensure that the budget gets done on time."
But Steinberg says Republican interests will still be
represented in the budget process. Especially since voters also
approved Proposition 26.
That measure makes it harder to pass certain fees. Leaving
lawmakers with fewer options in dealing with the state's fiscal
woes.