The California State Constitution requires that the Legislature approve a budget by June 15 of each year, 15 days before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. But over time, the budget has increasingly been enacted past this date.
This measure would create a new, stable funding stream for California state parks and wildlife programs, which have received declining amounts of financial support in recent years.
When I retired as Governor Schwarzenegger’s Director of Finance at the end of last year, I decided that I wanted to remain involved in state policy, especially surrounding our troubled budget.
The notion that California is the place to “invent the American dream” may have been conjured up by real estate hucksters, but Californians largely accepted this romantic ideal during the 20th Century, thanks not only to the Mamas and the Papas and scores of other Hollywood musicians and movie-makers, but to the Progressive leaders who created a ballot initiative process that gives voters enough clout to act like a Fourth branch of government.
From now until Election Day on Nov. 2, 2010, we dedicate our blog to you. This space is a forum for you to discuss and debate the issues facing our state, the propositions and candidates on the ballot, and how all of this affects us.
On Tuesday, California Forward announced the launch of its important campaign to engage with people across the state, encouraging them to share their thoughts about budget reform.
Yesterday, in a letter to legislative leaders, State Controller John Chiang, State Treasurer Bill Lockyer and Director of Finance Ana Matosantos announced they will be deferring $2.5 billion in payments to schools and $400 million to counties.
https://cafwd.org/wp-content/themes/osmosis/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150Bob Hertzberg & Mike GenestBob Hertzberg & Mike Genesthttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/65c713d0940146009233d25720a9a0d329177167e6acec9f5e5343cd039a6788?s=96&d=mm&r=g
In an opinion piece published today by The Sacramento Bee, Democrat Bob Hertzberg and Republican Mike Genest urge the Legislature to pass comprehensive budget reform modeled after the California Forward 2010 Reform Principles.