Where Are We With the Budget Stalemate?

Will it be thumbs up for state Sen. Abel Maldonado later tonight?

It's 9:30 p.m. Do you know where your state legislator is? I know those lawmakers can be slippery, but thankfully all are about to convene under one roof at 11 p.m. for a special floor session to figure out a way out of this mess -- meaning there could be a vote tonight on the budget. But first, the Democrats have to grant three Republican wishes...

To recap: the state has a $42-billion deficit, a growing problem that has resulted in thousands of layoffs, stalled construction jobs and concerned school administrators. Two weeks ago, before the first vote was scheduled for last Saturday, the Big 5 (two Republican and Democrat leaders in the Assembly + two state Senate leaders from each party + the guvnah) agreed on a balanced approach to cover the massive hole.

Had legislators approved the budget, the state would have implemented a spending plan that called for expenditure reductions (program cuts) of $15.1 billion, revenues increases (taxes) of $14.4 billion and $11.4 billion in borrowing (money we don't really have. Smart, I know.) Plus, the federal government has nearly $10 million to offset some of our state costs.

So, everything was going swimmingly, right? Legislators scheduled a 9 a.m. vote and everyone was keen on agreeing on this imperfect plan so they could go home in time for Presidents Day. Only, the Democrats and the Republican leadership didn't count on a full-fledged revolt by the (all of a sudden) fiscally conservative wing of the Republican party.

The Assembly had their votes locked up, but that dang state Senate was being all grumpy and uncooperative. Specifically, it was that dangdest of all -- state Sen. Abel Maldonado, a Republican from Santa Maria, holding up the entire process.

Legislators stalled for days, as dramatic pictures of bleary-eyed lawmakers filtered throughout the nation. Both houses of the Legislature sought a compromise to no avail, until...

Well, we shall wait and see. The Senate and Assembly is slated to convene at 11 p.m., which is very intriguing considering the Assembly hasn't met in days. Some are thinking this could mean there might, maybe, just possibility, perhaps be vote on a budget tonight with Maldonado's three wishes included as amendments:

Maldonado asked for ballot measures to create an open primary system, prohibit legislative pay raises in deficit years and stop legislators from receiving salaries if they do not pass a budget on time. [SacBee]

Still, I wouldn't hold your breath. Or your eyes wide open. Those that will be, though, include KQED's John Myers, who has been filing some amazing Twitter reports and the Sacramento Bee will post any updates on their Capitol Alert page. Enjoy!

Update: The session meeting time has been changed from 10 to 11 p.m.