Legislative Analyst Says We Need More Revenue

by Julia Rosen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

The independent and respected Legislative Analyst thumbed her nose at Arnold's budget today.  SacBee

In trying to cut his way out of fiscal distress, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget fails to prioritize which programs are most critical for California's future, according to an analysis of his spending plan released Monday.

In her report on the governor's proposed spending plan, Legislative Analyst Elizabeth Hill said the administration's across-the-board reductions would leave programs "operating in a less than optimal manner and provide lower quality services to the public."

Hill encouraged the Legislature to identify more revenues, whether it's eliminating tax credits or adding fees.

This should surprise no one.  The governor's budget is completely unacceptable for numerous reasons.  California does not have a spending problem.  We have a revenue problem.  There is no way to gimmick ourselves out of this crisis.  All of the tricks have already been tried in recent years.  There is not much left.  It is high time we examined the structural reasons why we are experiencing a budget crisis.  There are no third rails this year.