Wednesday, Governor Schwarzenegger deliveres his State-of-the-State message to the Legislature.
On Friday, currently scheduled for 11:30am, Governor Schwarzenegger will reveal his proposed budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year. We have already had numerous reports that the budget is $20.7 billion out of balance; $6.3 billion for the current year and $14.4 billion for the budget year.
Capitol Weekly announced that the Governor plans to call the Legislature into emergency session under Proposition 58 on Friday, to deal with the $6.3 billion gap in the current year. (Read the full article here.) This may serve to accelerate issues in the Capitol. Under Proposition 58, the Legislature has 45 days to act, although there is no penalty if they fail to do so. Speculation is, however, that leadership would like to have a budget resolution on the floor for vote before the deadline of confirmation of Senator Maldonado’s appointment as Lieutenant Governor, which must occur on or before February 22. Presumably, this would entail steps to deal with the $6.3 billion current year problem, not the full 2010-11 budget.
All told, it will be an interesting week in Sacramento and but a prelude to an entire season of budget intrigue and shenanigans. CSAC will endeavor to produce a Budget Action Bulletin as soon as possible on Friday to advise you on the potential impacts the proposals made by the Governor may have on California’s counties. CSAC has scheduled a conference call with county administrators for Monday, January 11 at 3:00pm to give them a more thorough briefing.
We will continue to use this forum and other avenues to keep you informed and advised as events unfold this year.
Executive Director
California State Association of Counties