Watch CBS News

'Cynical' Californians Await Last-Ditch Budget Vote Before Paycheck Stoppage

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — State lawmakers are just hours away on Wednesday from having their paychecks stopped unless they reach a deal to approve what has so far been a contentious and highly-politicized budget battle.

Democratic leaders are pushing for a budget plan that would mean deeper cuts for schools and higher fees and taxes for most of California.

But as KNX 1070's Jon Baird reports, the state justice system is also faced with cuts of its own.

Podcast

Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye told the Los Angeles Times the proposed cuts that could close courts for two days every month would be "crippling" and "a blow to justice".

The race to approve a deal comes as a new Field Poll shows "very cynical" Californians are rapidly losing faith in lawmakers to address out-of-control state spending.

"As it looks to the legislature, [the electorate] doesn't have a lot of confidence in their elected leaders," said Field Poll director Mark DiCamillo.

If lawmakers fail to get a budget deal done by midnight tonight,they could have their paychecks stopped temporarily.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.