Didn’t Have Them Thirty Years Ago, Don’t Need Them Now

Governor Brown Orders Massive Cell Phone Cutback for State Employees

SACRAMENTO – In his first executive order since taking office, Governor Jerry Brown today directed state agency and department heads to collect and turn in 48,000 government-paid cell phones–half of those now in use–by June 1, 2011.

Brown said the state now pays for 96,000 cell phones, one for 40 percent of all state employees.     Read more »

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A Lot Has to Go Right for Jerry Brown’s First Budget to Work

While Gov. Jerry Brown’s  $119.4 billion budget plan may not contain “gimmicks, tricks and unrealistic expectations” he says were used in previous spending blueprints, his proposal is certainly filled with uncertainty.

Not the least of the unknowns Brown’s spending plan is premised on is whether Californians in June will agree to keeping $9.2 billion in temporary taxes on the books for five more years, a central feature of the Democratic governor’s spending plan.    Read more »

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More Newsworthy If Standing Flat-Footed with Arms Akimbo

 

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

CONNIE CONWAY, LEADER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            January 10, 2011

Assembly Republicans Stand United to Protect California Taxpayers in Budget Crisis

Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, of Tulare, today issued the following statement after Governor Jerry Brown announced his 2011-12 budget proposal:

“Assembly Republicans stand united as the last line of defense for California taxpayers.     Read more »

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This Summary from Gov. Jerry Brown on His Budget Proposal:

 

Sacramento – Governor Jerry Brown will release a balanced state budget today (January 10) that slashes spending by $12.5 billion, including an eight to 10 percent cut in take-home pay for most state employees, and proposes a “vast and historic” restructuring of government operations.

“These cuts will be painful, requiring sacrifice from every sector of the state, but we have no choice,” Brown said.    Read more »

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Following Up on a Campaign Pledge, Brown Cuts His Office

SACRAMENTO – Governor Jerry Brown announced that he is returning 84 percent of the Governor’s transition fund, making sharp cutbacks in the Governor’s Office, and eliminating the Office of the Secretary of Education, for a total savings of $7.05 million.

“California is facing a huge deficit and it is necessary to find savings throughout all of government.    Read more »

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Budget Woes Caused in Part By Reliance on State Income Tax

One reason for the volatility in California’s budget is its increasing reliance on personal income tax over other types of revenue.

Ina publication released January 5, 2011 Cal Facts, the Legislative analyst presents two pie charts – one from the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970 and one for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010.    Read more »

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It’s Still Better Than a Poke In the Eye With a Pointed Stick

In a modestly bright bit of economic and budget news, the state took in roughly $150 million more in income tax in December than estimated.

The administration of Gov. Jerry Brown cautions not to read too much into the monthly figure because of two years of changes in when and how much businesses withhold from employee taxes and the estimated payments individuals make.    Read more »

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Supreme Court Won’t Expedite Sale of 11 State Buildings

This item by David Siders of the Sacramento Bee was posted on December 28, 2010:

The California Supreme Court rejected Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s request to lift a stay blocking the sale of state office properties until after he leaves office next week, likely sinking the deal.

Gov.-elect Jerry Brown has been critical of the transaction and, as the state attorney general, declined to defend it in court.    Read more »

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An Early Prediction on What the New Year Will “Likely” Bring

(Editor’s Note: California’s Capitol tries to gather information from a fairly large pool of sources. What follows is a prediction that seems to encapsulate what a number of knowledgeable people have said is likely to happen next year – “likely” being the operative word. The only certainty for 2011 is, to paraphrase the Betty Davis admonition, “Fasten your seatbelts it’s going to be a bumpy ride.”    Read more »

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From the Ecclesiastes 1:9 File…

“Major state responsibilities, such as education and criminal justice, require a long planning horizon and a greater level of stability.

“The current budgetary timetable does not provide sufficient time for program review, evaluation and change nor does it allow for long-term planning.

“With a two-year budget, the Legislature will be able to spend more time evaluating program outcomes and effectiveness.    Read more »

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