by Julia Rosen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

The budget fight has touched just about every single person with an interest in the fiscal policy of the state and that includes strippers, porn stars and others in the adult entertainment industry.  The Democrats are trying to find ways to raise revenue and avoid having to cut even deeper than they already have into essential programs and education funding.  That means "sin taxes" and other sales taxes and fees. LAT:

As state leaders hunt for politically palatable solutions to the swelling budget shortfall, some Democrats are proposing unorthodox ways to generate cash.

Strip clubs, six-packs, grocery bags and iTunes downloads are all in their sights as alternatives to broad income or sales tax hikes. So are gas guzzlers and yachts -- and a tax loophole for criminals.

Despite tough odds of overcoming an oath signed by their Republican colleagues to stop any tax hikes, Democratic lawmakers seem confident that their ideas will carry the day. They predict the public won't stand for painful cuts to schools and healthcare to close a shortfall the governor now pegs as high as $20 billion, and say anti-tax forces will ultimately have to accept that more revenue is needed to bring the state into the black.

This is nothing new.  We are roughly in the same place we were a few months ago, only the deficit is even larger. Flip it.

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Key Bills and Issues we’ve been following that made the grade or bit the dust this Week in Sacramento

By Hannah Beth Jackson

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: GLOBAL WARMING AND ITS PROGENY

Two bills of note here, although there are several working through the process to refine and implement the landmark Global Warming measure of 2006, AB32.

Accelerating availability of low-emissions vehicles: AB 493

This measure by Assemblymember Ira Ruskin, was beaten back by a massive effort of the Auto Dealers and Manufacturers---among the major obstacles in the effort to clean up the planet and protect against global warming, smog and air pollution in general. This bill would add a surcharge to the worst gas-guzzlers sold and use those funds to provide rebates for gas-sippers. A great idea, but too much money and pressure for the Reps (as always) and sadly, too much for enough of the Dems to come on board.

Creating a blueprint for sustainable and responsible future growth: SB 375