Challenges face California in 2010
Challenges face California in 2010
By Rebecca Burgoyne
Returning to Sacramento Jan. 4, legislators immediately faced spillover from last year—budget problems and changing players. Will they continue playing the same old political games or begin making difficult decisions to solve the challenges facing the Golden State?
After last year’s tumultuous struggle to solve a budget deficit of nearly $60 billion, this year’s budget solution will be another major undertaking, made doubly difficult having exhausted one-time gimmicks and loopholes last year.
Additionally, legal challenges to last year’s solutions—many of which have landed in the courts—mean revisiting old ground to find additional solutions.
This year, legislators will need to dig deeper to find solutions to the challenge of a projected budget deficit of $20.7 billion over the next 18 months—$6.3 billion for the current fiscal year ending June 30, and $14.4 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Since voters nixed tax-hike extensions at the polls last May, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has rejected the idea of raising taxes. He hopes to solve the budget with spending cuts, layoffs, additional federal aid, and a creative reassigning of revenues. Under a worst-case scenario, he will consider eliminating three social services—CalWORKS, Healthy Families and In-Home Support Services.
Democratic legislative leaders, however, are calling for a mixture of cuts and new revenue (taxes). In a recent interview with the Sacramento Bee, Sen. President pro tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) voiced support for eliminating tax credits and loopholes, and re-examining failed proposals from last year. Steinberg also favors revising certain budget practices, such as moving to a two-year budget cycle. Newly selected Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez also supports a balance of cuts and revenue, but says the focus must be on both the deficit and economic recovery.
In the midst of a deep recession, Californians take a dim view of new taxes. With record low approval ratings for both the governor and the Legislature, 57 percent of Californians, according to an October Field Poll, believe the state can continue to provide roughly the same level of services by reducing waste and inefficiencies, even if the budget must be drastically cut. Legislators need to make tough choices at a time when Californians are focused on the economy and making tough choices for their families.
Election-year spotlight
This year’s challenge to balance the budget will occur under the scrutiny of election-year politics. While most legislators hail from “safe,” gerrymandered districts, a handful or so in “wobbler” districts will face challenging 2010 elections. Another group of legislators plans to run for statewide office or switch legislative houses. Therefore, their budget votes—and any other votes—can face more scrutiny than usual and be used as political fodder.
Election-year spotlight
This year’s challenge to balance the budget will occur under the scrutiny of election-year politics. While most legislators hail from “safe,” gerrymandered districts, a handful or so in “wobbler” districts will face challenging 2010 elections. Another group of legislators plans to run for statewide office or switch legislative houses. Therefore, their budget votes—and any other votes—can face more scrutiny than usual and be used as political fodder.
Reluctance to go on record with controversial votes will make it more difficult than usual for majority Democrats to placate and persuade their own party’s members. Then they still need to cobble together the three Assembly and two Senate votes needed from Republican legislators to pass measures like the budget that require a two-thirds majority vote.
Republican Abel Maldonado (San Luis Obispo) has been one go-to vote in recent budget votes—something that earned him Schwarzenegger’s recent nod as lieutenant governor to replace John Garamendi who ran successfully for Congress last fall. Senators have until Feb. 22 to confirm or reject his nomination. However, Maldonado’s votes for the majority present a political conundrum, as he is needed in the senate in late January and early February for budget negotiations. Senate pro tem Steinberg seems in no hurry to act on Maldonado’s nomination.
Changing players
Last December, the Democratic caucus chose John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) as the presumptive leader of the Assembly to replace Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles), who is termed out this year. The selection of Pérez sets the stage for the next few years. Elected in 2008, Pérez could conceivably hold this powerful position for five years.
Changing players
Last December, the Democratic caucus chose John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) as the presumptive leader of the Assembly to replace Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles), who is termed out this year. The selection of Pérez sets the stage for the next few years. Elected in 2008, Pérez could conceivably hold this powerful position for five years.
Legislative leaders hold much power and sway in determining policy and direction for the Legislature. Their legislation is often given preferential treatment—more priority and less scrutiny. Under the tenure of Karen Bass, who championed adoption and foster care, a larger than normal number of bills related to that subject were considered and passed.
A former labor official, Pérez is noted for his environmental concerns, negotiation skills, and support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender rights. Under Pérez, an open homosexual whose candidacy was championed by LGBT special interests, homosexual proposals will undoubtedly increase. Californians who champion traditional family values must remain vigilant regarding proposed bills, ready to express our opinions to our elected representatives whenever necessary.
The challenges ahead for California may seem daunting, but the opportunity for involvement is rewarding. Under the election-year spotlight, legislators know they will answer for their votes at the polls. It’s a fact brought home in dramatic fashion in mid January with Republican Scott Brown’s unfathomable victory for the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Democratic icon Ted Kennedy. Track the issues and the votes of your representatives. You can make a difference in shaping the future of California with your vote.
As printed in the February 1, 2010 issue of the Christian Examiner.
