By Andrew Sheeler | Sacramento Bee
Last week, Democratic lawmakers in both the Senate and Assembly discussed their plans for closing the titanic budget deficit — either $38 billion or $73 billion, depending on who you talk to — with Senate Democrats announcing a plan to take “early action” to address the shortfall.
The proposal, by Senate President pro Tem Mike McGuire, D-North Coast, and Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Chair Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, calls for $17 billion in program cuts “and other solutions,” as well as adopts California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to use the Rainy Day Fund to help make up the difference.
According to the pro tem’s office, these actions would bring the shortfall “down to a more manageable $9 billion to $24 billion” and buy lawmakers some time to figure out how to close the remaining gap.
“The Senate’s plan to shrink the shortfall protects core programs, includes no new tax increases for Californians, makes necessary reductions, and takes a prudent approach to utilizing the Rainy Day Fund so we can be prepared for any future tough times,” said McGuire in a statement.
At a press conference Friday, Assembly Budget Committee Chair Jesse Gabriel, D-Encino, was asked about the Legislative Analyst’s Office recommendation that the state close down five prisons and save $1 billion. Gabriel hedged a bit on whether he supports the proposal, but said that it is one that lawmakers are looking at. “In this type of environment, we have to consider everything,” he said.
Read more at: Sacramento Bee
