Public Policy Insights for the Archdioces​e of Los Angeles - California Catholic Conference: California Budget

Governor’s Budget Revision Might Be Delayed


California’s top elected officials remained stymied about how to handle the State’s ongoing deficit. The Governor’s May Revise – a refinement of his January budget proposal using the latest quarterly results – may be delayed by a week as more accurate revenue and spending figures slightly alter the picture.

Meanwhile, the Governor is crisscrossing the State trying to drum up support for his proposed solution to the deficit: one-half extension of some taxes and one-half spending cuts. About $13 billion has already been cut mostly from higher education, child care, health care and support for low-income children. Still to be decided are questions on redevelopment agencies, enterprise zones, the special election and “realigning” some local services.

Two polls released this week show that voters favor the half-and-half approach and want an opportunity to vote on tax extensions, but also show that approval of the extensions is far less certain. The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) showed voters particularly concerned about potential impact of cuts on K-12 education while a University of Southern California/Los Angeles Times poll found a plurality of voters support pension reform.

To illustrate just how convoluted the path to a solution is, voters from both major parties and independents oppose the sales or income tax extensions, but instead prefer to have the income tax raised on the wealthiest Californians—especially if it means preventing further K-12 cuts. The poll also found that the California legislature’s approval rating continues at near record lows. Only 14 percent of likely voters approve of their work and 74 percent disapprove. That figure is actually up from last fall’s budget battle when the approval rating was in single digits.

For more information, contact Steve Pehanich, spehanich@cacatholic.org.