The major sticking point between Democrats and the Governor continues to be how deeply to cut social programs. Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg says he's not looking for a fight with the Governor….
Steinberg: "But we will not shy from a fight if it is necessary to stand for the middle class, the poor and the struggling Californians who have already taken a huge burden of past budget decisions."
Democrats say their latest proposal meets the Governor's goal
of eliminating this year's 16 billion dollar shortfall - and
eliminating deficits in future years. They reject Brown's 900
million dollar welfare cut and propose savings of about half as
much. And they call for fewer cuts to child care, in-home
care and Cal Grants, as well as a smaller reserve. The
legislature is expected to vote Friday on the Democratic
budget. It's unclear whether Governor Brown would sign
that.
