State Could Pass Real Budget Reform, But Will Require a CampaignPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Mar. 26‚ 2009A new statewide poll proves that California voters could repeal the “two-thirds rule” in the state legislature – if advocates devote real resources behind a campaign. It’s never easy to get the state to pass such a thing, and prior attempts have failed. But our current crisis screams for this structural reform, and now may be the only time it could ever pass – if progressives make it a top priority. A 47-41 plurality supports bringing down the budget threshold to 55%, but the measure fails by six points if you only count “likely voters.” In stark contrast with optimistic views about the national scene, Californians are in a sour mood about the Governor, the budget and the economy. Most notably, Republicans despise their own state legislators – precisely the politicians to blame for this mess. But voters won’t get the chance to scrap the “two-thirds rule” in the May 19th special election. It won’t be on the ballot, but six measures will – including Proposition 1A, which gives the state a permanent fiscal straitjacket. And right now, voters aren’t inclined to support that. |