Across-the-Board Cuts Proposed To Expedite California Budget Deal
Senate Republicans are proposing an across-the-board cut of about $1 billion to $2 billion in the proposed general fund for fiscal year 2007-2008 to help pass a state budget that is two weeks past its deadline, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
The Republicans contend that the 1% to 2% reduction would reduce overall spending without favoring programs backed by either party (Mendel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7/19).
However, Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman (R-Tustin) said Republican lawmakers are only seeking to control spending increases.
Assembly Minority Leader Mike Villines (R-Clovis) said, "We're not talking about cuts."
Republican lawmakers have refused to detail the proposals, despite requests by Democrats.
However, MediaNews/San Jose Mercury News reports that a July 10 internal analysis of Democratic lawmakers' spending plan raises concerns about $35 million in the Medi-Cal budget to pay for approximately 90,000 abortions. The analysis also flags funding for education and the Labor Institute at the University of California.
Budget negotiations began in May after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) unveiled a $103.8 billion general fund plan for FY 2007-2008 (Zapler, MediaNews/San Jose Mercury News, 7/19).
The overall budget would increase general fund spending for health and human services by $239 million. Federal matching funds will account for some funding increases (California Healthline, 5/15).