Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association
Legislative Up-Date
James L. Frayne, Legislative Director
January 20, 2009

Who’s On First – What’s On Second Base????

The old Bud Abbott and Lou Costello comedy routine best describes the crucial standoff by the Governor, Democrat and Republican Legislators which has led to an impasse to solve the critical California State Budget crisis. The State Budget deficit is now estimated to have grown to 42 billion dollars ($42,000,000,000) over the next 16 months.

The Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has used his entire “bag of tricks” attempting to reach a budget compromise with California Legislators and vested interests. He has threatened, cajoled, sweet talked, offered favors, threatened layoffs, shortened holidays, mandatory days off, (without pay) to California’s hard working state workers, a stoppage of gigantic state construction projects, etc, etc, all to no avail.

Last week, there was a “small ray” of compromise, when the Republicans stated, “they may consider” tax increases under certain conditions for the first time!! California is on the brink of not being able to pay its bills. State Controller John Chiang, along with State Treasurer, Bill Lockyer, are predicting the State to run out of cash in early February to pay its bills. The State’s cash situation is so critical that those Californians who overpaid their State taxes in 2008 will temporarily not receive refunds to conserve the State’s dwindling cash.

The State Controller, in a statement said, state vendor payments and checks to a million aged, blind and disabled will be postponed for 30 days. Those who can least afford delays!!!

The Governor, in his State of the State address, last Thursday, January 15th, stated the most populous state in America, faced insolvency if the Legislature fails to balance the budget immediately.

Democrats last month proposed a State Budget that would have provided 18 billion dollars immediately to provide enough cash to solve the problem temporarily. The Governor vetoed their proposed budget. This would have provided more time for the Legislature to thoughtfully find long term approaches to finally solve California’s fiscal deficits. Without the Governor, Legislators, and vested interests setting aside partisan politics, egos, and one-upsmenships this will not happen!! Without immediate solutions, thousands of Californian will suffer the effects.
The California Legislative analyst’s office has suggested if the Legislature cannot agree on tax increases to solve a portion of the State deficit that an initiative be introduced letting the California voters decide any tax increases. If this were to occur the Governor and the California Legislators will have abdicated their sworn responsibilities to the public!

Why then, should we have a Governor or Legislature if the electorate makes major decisions for Californian’s???

All of us must strive for solutions and must “sacrifice a little for the benefit of all” in these difficult fiscal times.

“THERE WILL BE BLOOD”!!
(So to speak)