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Governor Schwarzengger's battle with the Sacramento Girlie Men has ended in a draw. Legislators came to an agreement with the Governor on a $103 billion spending plan. San Francisco Senate boss John Burton (pictured) had a tongue-in-cheek explanation for the deal:
"How did it happen? I think speaking for myself and my Senate colleagues," Burton quipped, "when we accepted the fact that we were really 'girlie men,' we were just able to get over that."
So what fell before the cost-cutting ax? Not much. The two parties agreed on yet another compromise deal that relies heavily on borrowed funds. It avoids new taxes and spending cuts, putting tough decisions off for another year and another debate. As for the "tacked-on" labor issues that tangled up the budget dealings? Arnold and the Dems managed to meet each other halfway. Democrats agreed to make changes to the "Sue Your Boss" law targeted by the state GOP, but defended union bus companies from losing their contracts with California public schools.
Arnold called himself "a very happy Governor" as he rolled out the details of the agreement. LAist wonders if that's only because he's got the statehouse all to himself with the First Lady living it up with the Kennedy Clan in Boston.
