Schwarzenegger declares fiscal emergency in Calif., proposes cuts to schools, prisons, parks
AARON C. DAVIS

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a fiscal emergency in California Thursday, and released a state budget proposal that would close an estimated $14 billion gap by cutting education funds, releasing inmates and closing dozens of state parks.

The emergency declaration forces lawmakers to vote on many of the cuts within 45 days, instead of waiting until the new budget year begins July 1. If they take no action, they cannot address other state business.

The $141 billion plan would give schools 10 percent less money, release 22,000 inmates and shut 48 state parks. Cuts or freezes in funding for children of welfare recipients and elderly, blind or disabled people also are in the plan.

“This is a budget that doesn’t please everybody, I know that for sure,â€