As reported in previous Capitol Updates, June 15th is the constitutional deadline for the Legislature to pass a budget. But this year the Legislature had an additional challenge, due to the passage of Prop 25 in last election. They had to pass a budget before the constitutional deadline or risk not getting paid until they do. Since the Governor's budget revise in May, no real budget agreements have been reached. Republican Assembly Leader Connie Conway released a "No New Taxes" budget back in May, but Governor Brown remains adamant on negotiating for tax increases on a ballot. So, with all this in mind, a deadline looming and the risk of losing a paycheck, the Democrats passed a majority budget on Wednesday without any Republican support. The majority budget passed is filled with gimmicks, accounting tricks, tax increases and is legally unstable. Although the Democrats thought they dodged a bullet, they still had two obstacles. One, would Governor Brown sign the majority budget? Constitutionally he has 12 days to either sign or veto the budget. The second obstacle is State Controller John Chiang, who decides if the budget is "balanced" or not and if the Legislators deserve their paychecks. The Democrats got an answer to one of these issues very quickly. Governor Brown vetoed the Democrat majority budget early Thursday afternoon. While Republicans are still wary that real pension reform and no tax increases will be achieved, they are happy that Governor Brown vetoed the faulty budget. Democrats said they were "appalled and dismayed" that the Governor vetoed their budget, but it's more likely that they are "appalled and dismayed" that they probably won't be receiving a paycheck. Controller Chiang said that he still hasn't decided if the budget qualifies as balanced and if the Legislators will get their paychecks. The Governor said that he felt the budget is not balanced and is "legally questionable," but he is leaving the decision of pay up to Chiang. If the Legislators do get paid, then this whole budget buffoonery is just a charade. There is no way that a majority budget, with no bi-partisan effort whatsoever, filled with gimmicks and one-time solutions should be rewarded with a paycheck. Hopefully, Governor Brown is serious about wanting a bi-partisan budget effort and not just creating a facade to win voter approval for his tax increases. But for now, we are thankful that a terrible budget has been vetoed and hopeful that a better budget for California will emerge.
CRP Bounty Update
The CRP Bounty program started on May 1, 2011 and runs through October 22, 2012. The CRP will pay $3.00 for every registered Republican. Our clubs MUST sign-up by going to www.CAGOP.org, click on "Bounty Program" and fill out the CRP Official Bounty Agreement to receive payment. Federated clubs WILL NOT receive payment if they register voters and turn the registrations into their County Central Committees. In some districts the elected officials are kicking in additional funds, but this varies by each area so have your clubs check with the CRP. Thank you!
Disclaimer: The Capitol Update is an activity of the CFRW Advocate's Office. The update is for information only. CFRW official positions on legislation are stated immediately preceding the stated legislation or immediately following the stated legislation in this report.
