Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Budget Battle Draws To A Close
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.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
