SAN BERDOO AFLAME- AWAITS GOV'S BIG PLAN

STATE ANALYIST SAYS CAL GOING BROKE

GOVERNOR THREATENS CUTBACKS IN SERVICES

Sure, buddy, we've heard that one before

Despite Federal bailout money it expects, the State of California is still slated to pile up a $2o billion deficit in the coming year, the State Legislative Analyst's office said today.

Borrowing the money will be a chore because California is already deep in red ink and its budget is a nightmare of confusion and division, voters, who will be voting on several budget propositions in the coming special elections, show no interest in bailing the State House from its responsibilities.

Although California raised taxes and fees to help balance the budget,  cuts to salaries have been coming slowly despite threats from the Governor that if voters don't enact the propositions, he would have to cut firefighters ahead of the fire season. To underscore his message, a coincidental massive wild fire broke out in Santa Barbara County that is rapidly spreading through pricey neighborhoods.

Most State-funded workers and their unions actively support the propositions since they continue to fund their paychecks without cutting their workforce and their power. But all except the proposal to cut legislators salaries during economic slowdowns are polling negatively and may not pass in the election. 

Still, the Legislators are reluctant to tighten their belts during the economic crisis. Job losses in the public sector are but a percentage of the job losses in the private sector, and mostly limited to new hires, part-timers and temp positions. No substantive job trimming is slated in the near future, as the State is banking on an end to the fiscal crisis soon.