I haven’t posted about the budget lately……frankly, I’ve been a little afraid to.
When I reported from the floor of the Senate during the infamous Senate lock-down I think I set the Pro Tem off. Later that day he said Senate Republicans were a bunch of whackos captured by right-wing blogs. He then amped that up by calling us terrorists.
Then, in another post, I got into a "comment dual" with the Speaker’s press operative, Steve Maviglio – ‘nough said.
In an effort to try to keep things calm and not cause an escalation – I’ve just been keeping my head down. For whatever reason, throughout the budget negotiations, while the Senate Republican caucus has calmly and respectfully tried to find middle ground with our Democrat colleagues, our friends across the aisle have answered us by name calling and threat making.
Oops – there I go again.
Now, the reason I’m breaking my self imposed blog silence is because there is a new theory floating around in columns and articles that I just do not understand at all.
It all started in when the Speaker returned from his European vacation and the Sacramento Bee reported: "Speaking out for the first time since the Assembly adjourned for summer recess, Núñez said that if he were to reopen the budget, he would demand restoring Democratic concessions. Some of them, he said, include a five-month delay in cost-of-increases for poor elderly, blind and disabled people; public transit funding; and no cuts to education or social services." In other words, he’ll demand the deficit get bigger.
Then, the governor’s cabinet secretary, my good friend Dan Dunmoyer (who is really a great guy), pens in the LA Times: "If they (that would be us) continue to hold up the budget — especially for non-budget issues — after getting what they asked for in vetoes, the process implodes, negotiations will start from scratch, and we will likely lose the billions of dollars in reductions contained in the bill passed by the Assembly."
The Governor implied the same thing in the San Jose Mercury News, but was a little more subtle.
OK, here it is. Here’s my question – – – – Huh? Does the Speaker and the administration actually believe that any Republican in either the Senate or the Assembly will cast a single vote for a budget that is not balanced? Really? Are you serious? Please, really, are you serious?
Now to try to end this silly speculation and "scary scenario", let me be clear: it just ain’t going happen. Senate Republicans will be happy to re-open the budget with the Assembly. In fact, we want to – we’ve been asking to for weeks. But the end result is NOT going to be a budget that is out of balance – or a budget that is any worse than the one we have in front of us.
Why am I so darn certain? Why do I absolutely know it won’t happen? Because we won’t vote for it. We want a balanced budget – California deserves it. We want to build roads and infrastructure, not fight lawsuits – California demands it. We want trailer bills that are fair and equitable. That’s all. We’re not asking for much – just what is right.
OK? Hopefully that clears it all up. Now, to those of you intent on trying to scare and pressure my caucus into voting for a budget we have already rejected twice, please go come up with a new, more realistic "scary scenario".
……..not wanting to escalate anything…….but, c’mon.
August 13th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Yes, c’mon.
At least three of your gang of eight have never voted for a budget. And many never voted for the infrastructure bonds. So I’m having a little trouble wiping the crocodile tears away.
You and most of your colleagues voted for budgets that, if you’re comparing apples to apples, isn’t as conservative as this one.
And, what part of “balanced” don’t you understand? This budget is balanced (as required by the constitution) AND has the largest reserve in California’s history.
Last time I checked, Senate Republicans were in the distinct minority in this state. When one of your colleagues runs for statewide office, he gets trounced.
The state budget is a compromise, not what every caucus demands. And it’s high time your caucus (at least the ones that occasionally vote for a budget) understand that Democrats, the Governor, and Assembly Republicans aren’t going to buckle either.
August 13th, 2007 at 12:00 am
“At least three of your gang of eight have never voted for a budget.”
Is that supposed to be an insult. Frankly, I would take it as a compliment that I did not vote for budgets that failed to solve the state’s fiscal problems and indeed in some cases made them worse. Especially those Republicans around during the Davis years, they should be proud that they did not vote for the budgets that plunged the state into a state of fiscal insolvency.
Hang in there Republicans! You are on the side of common sense!
August 13th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Hey Steve! I thought I’d hear from you!
I just wanted everyone to know that there was no way the deficit was going to grow if negotiations were to reopen. That is something everyone – EVERYONE – should be clear on.
Senate Republicans want a budget. We want a balanced budget – simple stuff.
Now Steve, I know you speak for the Speaker, but when exactly did the Assembly Republicans put you on their payroll? I’m not real sure they’d be comfortable with you writing on their behalf.
And finally – regarding the reserve. Let’s just be real clear on this: THE RESERVE IS BORROWED MONEY. That’s like doing a cash advance on your Visa and putting it in your savings account.
August 13th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Hang tough. Those of us who know, support you and the rest of the caucus. The future of this great state rest with our elected representatives (Should I be worried??).