Eregon wrote:
"John R. Carroll" wrote in
:

rangerssuck wrote:
On Apr 16, 9:03 pm, Eregon wrote:
"John R. Carroll" wrote
om:

Eregon wrote:
"John R. Carroll" wrote in
:

California isn't spending beyond it's means at all.

Then just *how* is the PRK in "financial difficulty"?

Because of the way revenues are levied/collected and mandated
conditions on spending imposed through the ballot initiative
process.

IOW, the Democ-rats have the money but they can't buy votes with
it?

It couldn't possibly have anything to do with assholes like Gunner
not paying their taxes and living on welfare, could it?

There are a number of connected issues.
Californian's have passed ballot initiatives imposing mandatory
spending requirements as a percentage of revenues, and in some cases
dollars, for a number of things. There are things that can't legally
be cut.

Californian's have passed ballot initiatives that make budget
surpluses illegal.
This guarantees that programs that are beneficial or even essential
are cut during the down years.

Californian's have passed ballot initiatives limiting taxes in truly
odd ways. Proposition 13 is a perfect example.

Californian's have passed ballot initiatives that require the State
to do things, like "Three Strikes", but haven't been willing to pay
for the consequences. The prison population in CA is expensive.

Californian's have passed ballot initiatives that require a balanced
budget every year.

Californian's have passed ballot initiatives term limiting most
politicians at the State level.
What we now have is elected officials out looking for their next gig
just about the time they get the hang of the job and they aren't
above being "helpful" to prospective employeers when required. In
fact, it's become a way of life. You learn your job during the first
term and then do whatever is necessary to secure employment when you
are term limited out of office.

None of these involve corrupt or incompetent politicians.
We have that as well but not beyond what you'd expect anywhere else.
Californian's are reaping what they have unwittingly sewn.

Like I said, it's stupidity not extravagance.
There is plenty of money around.


IOW, the nickname of the PRK - The Granola State: The Land of Fruits,
Nuts, and Flakes - is accurate?

Not really.
Some of the hardest working and smartest people I know live here and that's
something.
I grew up in the midwest.

Californian's just don't want to trouble themselves with good government.


--
John R. Carroll