Listen
11:12
California lawmakers OK $14 billion in budget cuts, loans
Major spending reductions and other solutions were approved yesterday as part of Governor Brown’s proposed budget reduction package for California. Lawmakers agreed to $14-billion in cuts to programs such as welfare, medical programs for the poor, education, and aid to elderly and disabled people. Brown hopes these concessions will help secure Republican support to resolve the most contentious budget issues that remain: taxes and a plan to abolish redevelopment agencies. Yesterday’s cutbacks will close only about half of California’s roughly $26-billion shortfall. What’s next? Will lawmakers be able to strike a deal on Brown’s proposed tax extensions? If so, how will voters respond?
Major spending reductions and other solutions were approved yesterday as part of Governor Brown’s proposed budget reduction package. Lawmakers agreed to $14-billion in cuts to programs such as welfare, medical programs for the poor, education, and aid to elderly and disabled people. Brown hopes these concessions will help secure Republican support to resolve the most contentious budget issues that remain: taxes and a plan to abolish redevelopment agencies. Yesterday’s cutbacks will close only about half of California’s roughly $26-billion shortfall. What’s next? Will lawmakers be able to strike a deal on Brown’s proposed tax extensions? If so, how will voters respond?
Guest:
Evan Halper, Sacramento Bureau Chief, Los Angeles Times