It's an unusual budget. Not only is it on-time, but it was debated during the day, rather than the dead-of-night. And it was passed by a majority vote. That's a new power that voters gave Democrats last year. What's not unusual is the partisan divide. Here's Democratic Senate President Darrell Steinberg:
Steinberg: It's not perfect but it is
progress."
And here's Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway:
Conway: "We have shifted the truth and we have shafted the
taxpayers."
The budget was crafted by Democrats as an alternative to
Governor Jerry Brown's proposal, which included tax extensions and
required GOP votes. The new plan delays billions in school
payments and cuts funding for higher education and the
courts. It also extends part of the sales tax increase set to
expire this month and hikes D-M-V fees by 12 dollars.
Democratic Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield says now the state can avoid
the uncertainty of a late budget:
Blumenfield:"Partisan delay tactics have lost their power
and Californians won't spend another summer caught in the middle of
a Republican hostage crisis."
Democrats have portrayed Republicans as obstructionists, given
that they've been unable to reach a deal on the Governor's tax
extension plan. But Assembly GOP Leader Connie Conway says
that's something to be proud of:
Conway: "The only thing we've blocked are the massive
tax increases that would hurt working families and the economy, so
go ahead and blame us. We accept full responsibility for standing
united as the last defense for taxpayers."
If the Governor signs the budget, parts of it are
all-but-certain to be challenged in court. So far, his office
won't say what Brown will do. He has 12 days to act, giving him
time to continue working toward a deal with
Republicans.