Effects of the California Budget Blockage on Our Readers

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Frank D. Russo

Over the last month, we have received a number of inquiries as to when the California state budget will be passed, many with personal stories of how our readers are affected.

Please note: I have no inside pipeline as to when the budget will pass, and I don’t believe at the moment anyone can do more than speculate. If there is any breaking news, it will be reported right away. Lately, some Republican State Senators have floated the idea of a temporary budget bill, similar to the continuing resolutions used by the U.S. Congress. This has never been tried before and only gives more leverage to the holdout minority that is blocking the budget from passing.

The budget has already passed the California Assembly with the support of both Democrats and Republicans, but has fallen one vote short of the two-third’s vote needed in the Senate. Only one Republican State Senator, Abel Maldonado, has voted for it, despite please from Governor Schwarzenegger. Two Republican Senators are needed for passage. The rest of their lot, called the “gang of 14” by some, have taken a pledge only to vote for it if a majority of them are willing to do so.

Call your California State Senator and let them know as well. If you get any answers from them let us know.