The clock is ticking. California’s “Mr. Universe” Governor may have a few years left in office.. but he is starting to worry about his legacy. Various groups are hearing from his office about long forgotten initiatives that he may take up to help build a portfolio for historians. Expect some modest yet surprising policy initiatives over the next legislative session.
Of course the legacy matter should have been shored up with health care reform. Unfortunately for the Gov that ended up flat-lining on the floor of the California Senate. In fact, save for some major bond measures it is likely the Governor will be remembered more for his celebrity than for any major accomplishment as the CEO of America’s largest state.
But that could all change soon. The Governor has a chance to cement his place in state history. All because of the worst budget deficit in state history.
Today the Governor was in Riverside talking about budget reform. It is the same talk he had with legislators when he first arrived. It is the same talk he had with voters during his special election in ‘05. But this time.. both may listen.
What the Governor wants to do is change the budget system so that there would be a reserve fund “with teeth” that would help keep the state from the feast or famine cycle that currently exists. He wants a budget that allows for mid-term reductions when it appears revenues are falling short. He wants to change a system that allows the state to spend every penny in good times with nothing but protest demonstrations and sit-ins during the bad.
Democrats don’t like the idea for a number of reasons.. the least of which is that it gives too much power to the executive. But the Governor could end up passing major reform in a trade with lawmakers over tax hikes to fix the current budget crisis. Such a deal could be sold to the public as a one-time-only effort at righting the state’s fiscal ship. Not to mention giving Arnold Schwazenegger a chance to be remembered long after the credits start to roll on his Sacramento career.
Filed under: Uncategorized | 2 Comments
Next year a new President (either a Democrat or Republican) might find it attractive to appoint the Gov. to the cabinet or diplomatic post. (Maria’s Dad was ambassador to France under both LBJ and Nixon). Would Arnold take it if offered? History does not care much about Gubernatorial legacies. Re-invention is what this State is all about.
Remind Legislators:
Kids Come First!
On March 31
Please join the community in the
98 minute March march
And tell legislators that it is unacceptable to “suspend” our children’s constitutional rights! Under the proposed budget, the state would suspend prop 98, the minimum funding law for state public schools this year. If suspension is passed by 2/3 vote, the current 4.4 billion in cuts will proceed. This means overcrowded classes, and elimination of countless successful programs.
Join us in opposing these devastating cuts to our schools:
When: 4:52-6:30 p.m. (98 minutes for prop 98) on Monday 3/31
Where: the intersection of Santa Margarita Parkway and Los Alisos (Mission Viejo)
What to bring: Bring S.O.S. (save our schools) posters, and signs in support of preserving prop 98. Wear pink to symbolize your support for the 107,000 “pink slipped” teachers statewide.