Here we go again-the State Budget (buy, taxes, live)

[Mr5150]

Yep. Time to sit back for the next three months while the Demos and Repubs dig their feet in and refuse to budge an inch.

Time was, there was this concept employed. The concept was called "compromise". Sadly this concept died out in the later part of the 20th century.

I remember as a kid hearing about people having meetings and agreeing to "negotiate". Since that term has not been used in politics for over 30 years I had to look it up. Basically it means that you give a little and the other guy gives a little and you meet half way. Everyone gets some of what they deem important. Part of the process is realizing that you are doing this for the greater good of the people (another archaic concept). Especially when you realize that only half the population agrees with your agenda.

Thank you for taking the time to read my little rant.

[NewToCA]

While I don't disagree with you, I'd add that the current economic environment with the severe downturn in state revenue does make for a rather difficult atmosphere.

I know that supporters of both sides have strong reactions to that comment, one side saying "good, they spend too much on crap" and the other side saying "rich folks are selfish and buy influence", the bottom line is that they have a difficult atmosphere to work in at this time.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

While I don't disagree with you, I'd add that the current economic environment with the severe downturn in state revenue does make for a rather difficult atmosphere.

I know that supporters of both sides have strong reactions to that comment, one side saying "good, they spend too much on crap" and the other side saying "rich folks are selfish and buy influence", the bottom line is that they have a difficult atmosphere to work in at this time.

I think the bottom line is that they've created a difficult, if not impossible, atmosphere to work in. The sheer partisanship and accompanying divide almost ensures that what comes out at the end of the pipeline will be something nobody likes. Oh, and never mind the will of the people. Not a consideration!

[Ceece]

Yes. Everyone owes someone something so nobody can actually do anything.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

I think the bottom line is that they've created a difficult, if not impossible, atmosphere to work in. The sheer partisanship and accompanying divide almost ensures that what comes out at the end of the pipeline will be something nobody likes. Oh, and never mind the will of the people. Not a consideration!

Actually, the people are part of the problem, too. Those who are well off don't want to pay more taxes for a high tax state for what they view as a wasteful state government. Government workers and those who receive more in taxes than they pay in services think tax increases will solve all the problems and that their little bit doesn't amount to much.

I tend to lean toward cutting spending and services. But I'd be willing to go for moderately stiff tax increases on gasoline, tobacco, and alcohol. But taxes on those items will not fix (in my opinion) the underlying lack of fiscal discipline.

There needs to be a serious action on: 1. pensions for government workers and 2. reducing services wherever possible to people here illegally. 3. A whole new prevention oriented service model for health care. We're blowing a lot of money on the "pills and surgery" service model for health care and not really getting much for it. This model isn't working and it's time the state did something about it for the people on the MediCal rolls as well as for the taxpayers.

[Ceece]

Actually, the people are part of the problem, too

Yes. And you know what? Nothing scares me more than a politician who says they want every issue to be voted on by "the people". Have you LIVED through a contentious CA election on any topic? It's ridiculous. And too many voters are completely uninformed. I vote to put people in office to make the tough choices and prevent that kind of crap.

[benshaton]

Proposition 25 is the solution.

California Proposition 25, Majority Vote for Legislature to Pass the Budget (2010) - Ballotpedia