A discussion of major issues facing our democracy with an emphasis on public schooling.
Friday, October 08, 2010
The state budget stall
This morning the state budget waits to be passed. Three Senators are holding up the passage, imposing more pain on working people, state vendors, and the schools. Why does this happen?
Because California has a 2/3 rule to pass a budget. This 2/3 rule can be ended by voting for Proposition 25 in the November election.
At present a small minority of legislators hold up the budget. It takes as few as 8 Senators. The 8 at present are usually Republicans. They can do this because of the requirement for a 2/3 vote to pass the budget. They cause millions to lose their jobs and to face layoffs. Proposition 25 will lower the requirement to pass a budget from two-thirds ( 67 percent) to a majority ( more than 50 percent) vote of each house. Only 3 states in the U.S. have this 2/3 rule. The effect of the rule is to promote minority rule. Passing Prop. 25 is one step toward essential budget reform in California.
Update. The budget finally passed this AM.
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