California faces a $25 billion budget shortfall

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around California's significant budget shortfall of $25 billion and the implications for state and local governments. Participants explore the potential consequences of this shortfall, the role of federal aid, and the political dynamics within California and other states regarding budget management and spending habits.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern that California may fail without federal aid, highlighting the severity of the budget shortfall.
  • Others discuss the political struggles in New York, noting a split legislature and ongoing budget battles, suggesting a broader trend of financial instability across states.
  • Several participants convey a lack of sympathy for California voters, arguing that they have made choices leading to their current financial situation and should face the consequences.
  • There is a sentiment that the entire US economy may suffer due to California's budget issues, regardless of individual state decisions.
  • Some participants criticize California's legislature for its spending habits, suggesting that it raises taxes without a clear plan for revenue generation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express disagreement regarding the appropriateness of federal bailouts for California, with some advocating for accountability and others acknowledging the potential broader economic impact. There is no consensus on the best course of action or the implications of the budget shortfall.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference political dynamics and budgetary challenges in multiple states, indicating a complex interplay of local and federal responsibilities. The discussion reflects varying opinions on fiscal responsibility and the role of government intervention.

FireSky86
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http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1904936,00.html

Interesting article.
 
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That California, unless they get some form of aid from the US Government, may fail.

My state is still battling budget cuts. Are yours?
 


In NY, the democrats and republicans are fighting over which party is the majority in the state legislature. The legislature is split 31-31 after 2 democrats defected to the republicans, then one democract switched back and rejoined the democrats.

Not only is the state struggling with budgets, but so are the local county, town and municipal governments. All the local and state institutions seem to be expecting the federal government to bail them out.

It seems like the US economy cannot afford to operate?

Or is it too many people with not enough jobs, or rather jobs that pay well enough to maintain a standard of living to which many people aspire?
 


FireSky86 said:
That California, unless they get some form of aid from the US Government, may fail.

California voters chose that course this past month. I have no sympathy for them.
 


CRGreathouse said:
California voters chose that course this past month. I have no sympathy for them.

Same here. They made their bed, now they have to sleep in it.
 


CRGreathouse said:
California voters chose that course this past month. I have no sympathy for them.

Agreed.
 


Wow, it looks like it's really hitting the fan in Cali. We shouldn't bail them out but no matter what the whole US is going to take a hit from this.
 


CRGreathouse said:
California voters chose that course this past month. I have no sympathy for them.

California voters told their representatives that they want them to start taking some responsibility for their spending habits instead of constantly eating more tax hikes to cover their ***es for them. The legislature spends more and more money every year never knowing where they are going to get it then they turn around and raise taxes. We make more money than any other state in the union and our reps can't spend it fast enough.
 

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