by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by EmilyDu [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

From the Courage Campaign

The most extreme high priests of the tax cut cult operate right here in

California. Because Democrats do not hold a two-thirds majority in our

state legislature, a small minority of Republicans is able to hold

Californians hostage to a $20 billion state budget deficit, refusing to raise taxes on the super-rich.

It gets worse. Much worse. While California's future is being put in grave jeopardy, the tax cut cult is refusing to close a tax loophole for yacht and private jet owners.

Schools closing. Social services slashed to the bone. And right-wing Republicans are letting the uber-wealthy off tax-free on yacht and private jet purchases. It's no wonder the California Republican Party has been re-branded as the "Yacht Party" by the netroots.

To increase the pressure on Republicans in Sacramento to close this

yacht tax loophole, we need to make this "Yacht Party" brand stick. That's

why the Courage Campaign and California Nurses Association have just

teamed up to produce a new 60-second TV ad that strips naked the

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

The Bakersfield Californian urges a no vote on Proposition 98 and a yeson Proposition 99, arguing that the first measure would lead to an "avalanche of lawsuits involving government, developers and landowners." The Californian also criticizes 98's abolition of rent control and potential to harm the environment.

Legislative Democrats are trying to be reasonable about how to increase revenues this year, with a myriad of proposals targeting strip clubs, six packsof beer, even plastic bags, the Los Angeles Times reports. If theRepublicans cannot accept these tiny bites, they should at least agreeto repeal the mortgage deducation for $1 million vacation homes.

Recalls have the tendency to be wasteful endeavors no matter what party is pushing them,the LA Times editorializes today. The Times supports Senate Pro Tem DonPerata's decision to stop pursuing the "dump Denham" effort, which mayhave served as a distraction during budget negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Bee reports that Denham will continue campaigning, even though support for the recall has been pulled. I guess when you're that unpopular, you can't take anything for granted.

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

There they go again.

After needlessly holding up the budget for months last summer with the same failed strategy, Senate Republicans yesterday signaled their intent to try to weaken the state's environmental and labor laws as the price for their support of the state budget again this year. Included in this year's demands are a delay in the state's landmark global warming law, repeal of the eight-hour day labor law signed by Gov. Davis, a plan to aid the health insurance industry, and relaxing compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Sen. George Runner, R-Lancaster, put it bluntly, according to a report in the San Diego Union Tribune. "We are putting this on the table for the budget negotiations. You are not going to see these necessarily as bills floating around in the Legislature somewhere -- only to have a 10-minute hearing and be dismissed."

So once again, the Republicans are dragging non-budget issues into the budget fight.

There's more...

by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Governor Schwarzenegger's budget strategy is incoherent,according to the San Diego Union Tribune. On one hand, he embraces the"no new taxes" mantra of the GOP. On the other, he he remains "open" tolimited tax increases under the right circumstances. Which is it,Arnold? And more importantly, will you have the courage lead and notjust follow?

The Santra Cruz Sentinel has a similar sentiment, saying both sides must be willing to compromiseduring this year's budget negotiations. We couldn't agree more.Democrats have expressed a strong willingness to consider responsiblespending cuts. Our friends on the other sides need to stop viewingevery tax credit as sacred.

Assemblymember Mark DeSaulnier, a Concord Democrat, lays out the choices over this year's budget very clearlyin today's California Progress Report, contrasting Schwarzenegger'sContra Costa press conference with a hand-picked, pro-business audienceand the public event hosted by Democrats at a local school,high-lighting the very real impact of the Governor's proposed cuts. Itreally is about values, as DeSaulnier says — why should the wealthieststate in the wealthiest country in the world be handing out twopink-slips to a single household?

There's more...