Calif. budget stalemate sets up fiscal calamity
As budget woes grow in California, Governor Schwarzenegger is set to begin 20,000 government employee layoffs and stop public works projects. Meanwhile California legislators have thus far failed to pass a state budget, as Democrats and Republics disagree over potential tax increases. Unless the senate can formulate a plan to close California's budget gap (one that would likely include large tax increases), Schwarzenegger will go ahead with slashing thousands of state jobs. The layoffs will affect health and corrections workers, as well as construction workers due to the halting of public works projects. California lawmakers need one more vote to pass the current budget proposal.
See "Calif. budget stalemate sets up fiscal calamity", USA Today, February 16, 2009