SEIU Urges Against Health Care Cuts in Special Budget Session
In a letter to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and legislative leaders, the Service Employees International Union called on the governor and lawmakers to avoid "further cuts to schools, health care and other vital services" when they reconvene to deal with a growing budget deficit, the AP/Oakland Tribune reports (Lawrence, AP/Oakland Tribune, 10/27).
On Monday, Gov. Schwarzenegger said that on Nov. 5 -- the day after the election -- he would issue an order calling the Legislature back into session to address the budget deficit, economic stimulus plans and efforts to boost employment (Sanders, Sacramento Bee, 10/28).
In lieu of additional cuts to health care, education and other services, SEIU called on state leaders to approve a tax increase.
However, Republican legislative leaders are calling for a round of tax breaks for businesses aimed at stimulating the economy (AP/Oakland Tribune, 10/27).
Deficit Projections
Schwarzenegger declined to specify where the deficit now stands but said it had passed the $3 billion figure that was released earlier this month.
Outgoing Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata (D) estimates that the deficit is about $10 billion.
H.D. Palmer, spokesperson for the state Finance Department, said that an updated estimate of the budget deficit might be released this week (Sacramento Bee, 10/28).
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