Each chamber has its own spending plan - though both closely follow Governor Brown's proposal: billions in cuts … and billions more from extended tax increases, assuming voters approve them. Still, Republican Assemblyman Jim Nielsen says there aren't enough specifics …
Nielsen: "…what I'd call the meat on the bone …"
… especially in proposals to eliminate redevelopment agencies and shift a host of state services to counties. He wants to see pension and regulatory reform too.
Nielsen: "I would hope that a lot be resolved in Conference Committee, that Conference be meaningful, not just another glorified informational hearing."
Assembly Budget Chair Bob Blumenfield says "anything and everything" can be on the table …
Blumenfield: "But the question is, are they gonna put things that are realistic - that are not gonna blow up the budget deal but are gonna make it better?"
Democrats face an early March deadline to get the tax extensions on the June ballot.