Tax Generator Arnold Schwarzenegger Calls for Special Session of California Legislature To Bailout State Budget

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called today for a temporary 1.5-cent increase in the state sales tax to help close an $11.2 billion deficit in the state budget, as well as new taxes on liquor and oil production.

Schwarzenegger also proposed one-day-a-month unpaid furloughs for state workers for the next 17 months, as well as rescinding two of the workers’ 13 paid holidays

In calling the Legislature into special session to deal with the deficit, Schwarzenegger said it was vital for legislators to act swiftly.

Flap has been harping on Schwarzenegger for years to cut the bloated California budget and time after time shortfalls come home to roost.

Other elements of the Governor’s plan:

• Cutting spending on programs in the current budget by $4.5 billion, $2.5 billion of it from elementary and high schools.

• Revamping the state’s cash-strapped unemployment insurance system by gradually increasing the rates charged to employers and lowering benefits while tightening eligibility requirements.

• Relaxing some state labor regulations dealing with meal and rest periods, overtime exemptions and work schedules.

• Speeding up public works projects, especially hospital construction, to inject life into the state economy. That would require modifying some environmental regulations.

The California GOP must resist all tax increases and force the Democrats to cut the budget and take responsibility for their profligate spending habits.

Think it will happen?

Nahhhh some spineless GOP legislator will sell out the Republican Caucus and Flap will be paying more and more in taxes.

Won’t help the very poor California economy much.