Brown says he continues to meet with a handful of Republican lawmakers about the state budget. He won't say who they are - but says he's encouraged:
"I read their feelings as positive, as they express it to me. Their words, their affect and their presence speaks volumes and my judgment is that we're getting close to getting the votes."
The Governor says he's discussing items on the GOP wish list,
including reduced state employee pension benefits and a limit on
future state spending. Brown wants voters to approve an
extension of several tax increases to help eliminate the state's 10
billion dollar deficit. He needs two Republican votes in each
house of the legislature to put the measure on the ballot.
So far, Republicans remain opposed to the
move.