WSJ’s Kelm: California’s New Normal: Budget Stalemate
From today’s Wall Street Journal Political Diary E-mail…
California’s New Normal: Budget Stalemate In keeping with longstanding state custom, California finds itself in the midst of a budgetary stalemate. Gov. Jerry Brown has maintained his position that he will neither raise nor extend taxes without the voters’ consent, but a new poll suggests that his referendum plan might just backfire.
On the surface, things look good for the Democrat. According to a survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, 62% favor holding a special election, and an identical 62% approve of Mr. Brown’s budget solution in concept. But the problem arises when voters take a closer look. When asked about extending certain taxes — a vital part of the Brown plan — just 46% still say yes.
With the notable exception of the governor himself, few players in Sacramento are keen on the idea of a special election anyway. Legislative Democrats and their union allies fear that attempts to increase taxes would be roundly… Read More