[Vision2020] California Democrats Overheard On Budget: Milking Crisis

Thu, 24 Jul 2003 08:13:52 -0700

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California Democrats Overheard On Budget 
GOP Cites Talk Of Milking Crisis 

Associated Press
Wednesday, July 23, 2003; Page A03 

SACRAMENTO, July 22 -- Unaware that a live microphone was broadcasting their
words around the Capitol, Assembly Democrats meeting behind closed doors
debated prolonging California's budget crisis for political gain.

A microphone had been left on during the closed meeting Monday, and the
conversation was transmitted to about 500 "squawk boxes" that enable staff
members, lobbyists and reporters to listen in on legislative meetings.

Some members of the group, including Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg, said if
the budget crisis were extended, it could improve chances for a ballot
initiative that would make it easier for the Democrats to raise taxes. It
would lower the threshold for passage from two-thirds to 55 percent.

"No one is running" for reelection, she said, according to a transcript made
by Republicans. "And maybe you end up better off than you would have, and
maybe you don't. But what you do is show people that you can't get to this
without a 55 percent vote."

Assembly Republican Leader Dave Cox said he is disappointed that Democrats
would consider using the budget crisis to their political advantage.

Goldberg said her comments were part of a larger discussion about whether it
would be better to make deeper cuts this year to give taxpayers a taste of
how bad things would be without a tax increase.

"It meant whether or not we do the things this year or next year that let
the public understand how serious the situation is," Goldberg said.

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California Democrats Overheard On =
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 Associated Press Wednesday, July 23, 2003; =
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SACRAMENTO, July 22 -- Unaware that a live microphone was =
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words around the Capitol, Assembly Democrats meeting behind closed doors =
debated=20
prolonging California's budget crisis for political gain.
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staff=20
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meetings.
Some members of the group, including Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg, =
said if=20
the budget crisis were extended, it could improve chances for a ballot=20
initiative that would make it easier for the Democrats to raise taxes. =
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lower the threshold for passage from two-thirds to 55 percent.
"No one is running" for reelection, she said, according to a =
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by Republicans. "And maybe you end up better off than you would have, =
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you don't. But what you do is show people that you can't get to this =
without a=20
55 percent vote."
Assembly Republican Leader Dave Cox said he is disappointed that =
Democrats=20
would consider using the budget crisis to their political advantage.
Goldberg said her comments were part of a larger discussion about =
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