Arnold and Gavin: Opposing “Share the Pain” BudgetsPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Jun. 23‚ 2009San Francisco’s budget battle between the Mayor and Board of Supervisors bears a strange resemblance to what’s going on in Sacramento. Democrats in the state legislature have proposed a budget that “shares the pain” – which includes a tax on oil companies and other revenue measures to avoid the worst cuts in health and human services. But Governor Schwarzenegger says he will oppose “any tax increase whatsoever.” At City Hall, the Board’s progressive majority is also pushing a budget that “shares the pain” by diverting funds away from Police and Fire – to avoid the worst cuts in health and human services. Newsom accuses them in the press of “playing with public safety.” Democrats in Sacramento are not likely to win their fight, because the budget needs a two-thirds vote to pass. The Board of Supervisors don’t have that problem, but the Mayor has threatened to veto the interim budget. If that happens and the City cannot pay its bills after July 1st, it will start looking more like Washington in 1995 – when House Speaker Newt Gingrich refused to cooperate with the Clinton White House, and the federal government shut down. Does Gavin really want to go that route? |