This just in:
As expected, Gov. Jerry Brown has introduced his draft budget including proposals to slash funding for most areas of state government and maintaining a series of tax increases for five years to close California’s huge budget deficit.
This budget calls for $12.5 billion in spending cuts, including reductions in welfare, social services, health care for the poor and higher education.
Brown also wants the Legislature to call a special election in June to give voters an opportunity to continue hikes in the income, sales and vehicle taxes for five years.
The governor’s office says the only area of state spending he would protect is K-12 education. This means the highly contested attack on local funds in redevelopment agencies is on the table.
Brown said his recommendations will close an 18-month budget gap estimated at $25.4 billion due to the democratic liberal spending.