Last week saw several significant clashes in the budget war between those who have vowed not to raise taxes and those who would raise taxes in a heartbeat. Both sides lost some and won some but, on balance, the taxpayer defenders came out better and stronger.  Read more >>

Last week, we heard rumors of a budget "deal" that Don Perata claimed he had with Governor Schwarzenegger. But those rumors dissipated faster than roaches under a flashlight beam when Perata was pressed for details. That was good news for taxpayers because the proposed deal, with its massive tax increases, was a non-starter for those desperately trying to save the California economy.  Read more >>

California's budget stalemate reflects a political war which has many fronts, a myriad of combatants and an endless series of battles. The battle du jour involves the Governor's executive order laying off thousands of temporary state workers and reducing the pay -- to federal minimum wage level -- of even more full time state workers.  Read more >>