Poll Finds Conflicting Views on Budget-Trimming Efforts

A new Los Angeles Times/University of Southern California poll shows that California residents are in favor of spending cuts to address the budget deficit but would object to reductions to programs that make up 85% of the state's general fund commitments. For example, 32% of respondents said Gov.-elect Jerry Brown's (D) next priority should be slashing state spending, while 43% said Brown's top priority should be safeguarding education and health care services for children and indigent individuals -- which combined make up about 72% of state spending.

• "Poll: Californians Want it Both Ways on Budget" (Decker, Los Angeles Times, 11/18).
• "LAT-USC Poll: Voters Want More Cuts, but Not to Services They Value" (Van Oot, "Capitol Alert," Sacramento Bee, 11/18).