What should the Legislature do?

November 19th, 2010, 2:00 am
by BRIAN JOSEPH, Sacramento Correspondent

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has said that on Dec. 6 he will call a special session of the Legislature to address yet another multi-billion-dollar budget deficit. Rank-and-file Democrats have said they’d rather wait to work with Gov.-elect Jerry Brown, who will take office 29 days later. Some are already predicting the special session will flop.

What do you think our state leaders should do?

The nonpartisan (and well-respected) Legislative Analyst’s Office projects that the state is facing a $25.4 billion deficit over the next 18 months, with about $6 billion of the shortfall coming in the current fiscal year. Schwarzenegger is asking legislators to address that $6 billion gap in the new special session.

Should lawmakers negotiate with Schwarzenegger?

No, what's the use? He's a lame duck
64 - 29% of all votes

Yes, he's still the governor and the state is facing a deficit
155 - 71% of all votes

Total Votes: 219

Started: November 19, 2010
Brown has indicated he supports Schwarzenegger’s call for legislative action, but he hasn’t offered any suggestions on what the state should do. Schwarzenegger hasn’t made any public suggestions either, but he’s proposed eliminating bedrock social programs in the past. Others have suggested raising taxes.

If you think lawmakers should play ball with Schwarzenegger one last time, what do you think they should consider? Leave a comment and let us know.

Related story: Tax take is higher than expected – but not enough

http://totalbuzz.ocregister.com/2010/11 ... more-44894