Two Republicans vote in favor
Yesterday, the California Legislature passed a budget that contains no new tax increases and fully funds education and law enforcement while paying down more than $2.5 billion in debt.
The budget process had been at an impasse for weeks because two Republicans had been needed to attain the 2/3 majority needed to pass a budget. But until now, Republicans had been holding out for more cuts in spending.
[view:node_ad=5]According to Senate Republican leader Dick Ackerman, Republicans were able to achieve a balanced budget that reduced the out-year deficit and will prevent frivolous lawsuits intended to hold up infrastructure projects.
But the Republican’s victory may not be savored for long.
“Despite our successes in this budget, we still face a multi-billion dollar deficit next year. This budget is an important first step towards fiscal discipline to help address the deficit problem,” said Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman, of Tustin.