THERE ARE DEADLINES, AND THEN THERE ARE DEALINES

By Bob Walsh

 

The CA state legislature is supposed to have the budget done by June 15.  The fiscal year starts July 1 and with no budget comes no spending authority.  Sort of.

The legislature missed the deadline so many times the people finally got really pissed off.  Now if the budget is not in place by July 1 the legislators don't get paid.  That has helped.  Some.

Some years the budget is filled in with smoke and mirrors.  "Anticipated" revenue that is unrealistic.  Sort of like visits from the money fairy.  

This coming year the state appears to be short about$32 billion.  That is a fair chunk of change for people that do not have a printing press.  

Right now SEIU is angling for a new contract.  They are a very reliable source of funding and votes for the Democrat-Socialist party.  The Democrat-Socialist party has super-majorities in both houses and can pass ALMOST anything they want.  Almost.  

SEIU wants a 30% raise over three years, 12 + 9 + 9.  The state is offering 6% over three years.  2 + 2 + 2.  

Their last contract gave them a total of 7% over three and-a-half years.  They are certainly entitled to something.  Maybe if the state didn't piss so much money away on bullshit they would have more money to pay staff.  Just thinking out loud.