Democrats Act Alone On California State Budget

Democrats who control California’s Legislature began passing a series of budget bills Wednesday without Republican votes, but the plan was widely seen as merely a stopgap to meet the constitutional budget deadline.

Passage in the Assembly and Senate before a midnight deadline would allow lawmakers to continue receiving their salary and per diem payments. An initiative approved by voters last year punishes lawmakers by stopping their paychecks if they miss the June 15 deadline.

Even as they advanced a detailed proposal to close California’s remaining $9.6 billion deficit, Democratic leaders intended for the governor to continue negotiating with Republicans.

Article source: http://www.npr.org/2011/06/15/137210643/democrats-act-alone-on-california-state-budget?ft=1f=1003