Gov. Schwarzenegger Needs to Pull a Gov. Rendell

Earlier this month, Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell "ordered the partial government shutdown because without an approved budget, the state no longer had authority to spend money on nonessential services."

What did that mean? Even with a $650 million surplus, nonessential service employees got some time off work unpaid. That meant state DMVs, roadwork, park rangers, etc. Not an ideal situation, but Rendell pulled the dramatic card gaining national headlines.

Now what if Gov. Schwarzenegger did that and blamed it on the fact that California lawmakers still have not passed a budget this late in the month (which seems usual on an annual basis anyway in this state)? Oh, there would be riots and words like "girlie men" would be said. People would vote the state assembly and senate out of office.

So maybe our representatives will start getting things done on time when citizens' jobs are lost days at a time because they cannot get their homework done on time. Hey, we have to get our taxes in on time or there can be a little backlash. Do they get a pay cut for everyday the budget is late?

There's nothing easy about doing the budget for California, but we all know what's due come July 1st every single year. Get working boys (yes, yes, girls too). No excuses.

Photo by Vagamundos via Flickr