Brown 'Perplexed' Over GOP Resistance In YouTube Call For Budget Vote
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Governor Jerry Brown has taken his fight over California spending reform to YouTube.
The Democratic governor is challenging Republican lawmakers to break partisan ranks just three days before the new budget is suppose to be passed.
KNX 1070's John Baird said Brown wants pension reform and a spending cap to be part of any budget deal, but he still lacks the four Republican votes to get the reforms and tax extensions on the ballot this fall.
Podcast
In his video, Brown said his plan will put California's finances on a firm footing for many many years to come - but only, he said, if Republicans will cooperate.
"I'm really perplexed at why a package of this magnitude and this permanence -- which has reforms, which has realignment, and which has temporary tax extensions -- cannot be allowed for you the people to decide on," said Brown.
The California Constitution requires a two-thirds majority vote before a ballot measure of this type can be presented to voters.
Brown needs at least two Republican votes from the Senate and the Assembly to get the ballot before voters.
Lawmakers are constitutionally required to pass a budget by Wednesday or risk having their pay cut if no spending plan is in place.
