(August 16, 2008) -- Following four hours of polarized partisan debate on Sunday (Aug. 17), the CA Assembly rejected a Dem-leadership proposed state budget on a near party-line 45-30 vote (2/3 majority, 54 votes needed for budget passage).
SacBee.com reports that the Assembly Dem proposal includes raising income tax rates for couples earning over $321,000 per year, letting CA borrow against CA Lottery profits, using public transit funds to pay for home to school transportation...and doesn't include the proposed 1% sales tax hike backed by CA Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. For SacBee.com coverage, click here.
With the July 1 legal budget deadline nearly 50 days gone, Repubs accused majority Dems of stacking committees and killing Repub proposals. Repubs said increased taxes would worsen CA's economic downtown and called for further spending cuts.
Dems said their legislative majority isn't to blame, citing the real estate/economic downturn, inflation and existing debt service...and said CA's [voter-enacted] requirement of 2/3 legislative approval had stalled budget passage. Dems said they've agreed to deep cuts and variously called their proposed combination of cuts and taxes a distasteful but balanced approach.
Repubs pushed for a "spending cap" constitutional amendment on the November ballot; Assembly Dems voted that down on Friday in an Assembly Committee (and a ballot deadline is rapidly approaching).
49 Assemblymembers spoke during the floor debate which extended from shortly after 4:00 p.m. until about 8:15 p.m. LB area Assemblymembers Betty Karnette (D., LB) and Warren Furutani (D., Carson-LB) didn't speak during today's proceedings.
Several Assembly Dems and Repubs said they hope Sunday's debate invites moving toward a solution.
LBReport.com provided access to live, unedited audio of the proceedings from the Assembly through a link on our front page at www.lbreport.com.
Further budget action is expected in the coming days. Check with LBReport.com (www.lbreport.com) regularly and you won't miss a thing.
