I posted a modified version of my voodoo economics post on DailyKos. Recs appreciated.
Apparently, the Senate will not be blindly agreeing to the Assembly’s deal. Sen. President Pro Tem Don Perata has lambasted the separate bill that would provide over $500 million in tax breaks as “irresponsible.” More from the Sac. Bee:
Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata is blasting as dead on arrival a last-minute deal that helped win Assembly passage of a $103 billion state spending plan in the wee hours of Friday morning.
“It’s an irresponsible action to take in the dark of night, without any debate or discussion,” Perata said of the Assembly compromise.
Perata’s vow to reporters, which came about noon Friday after he had huddled with his caucus for an hour, raised new doubts about ending the Legislature’s lengthy budget impasse. (SacBee 7/20/07)
Flip it…
Well, I called for progressive senators to stand up to this giveaway, and apparently um, Don Perata responded. Well, that ain’t bad. And, even the Speaker is distressed about some of the tax credits, although 4 of the 5 plans were put forwards by progressive Democrats (thanks Steve!). So, here’s the Speaker on his deal:
Well, I don’t know if I’d call that a ringing endorsement, but I guess he’s just happy it got done. But, given that he’s recessed the Assembly, there could be some major issues if the Senate substantially alters the deal. So, we’ve got a long road to hoe before this is done.