BUDGET VOTE COMING UP

PARTISANSHIP REIGNS AGAIN

Forget all that talk about Democrats and Republicans working together at the Capitol.
The two sides are locked in mortal combat and couldn’t be farther apart. There are two big things that separate them: the first billion dollars – and the second billion dollars. That’s how much Republicans want to cut in spending, although they won’t say exactly where.

Democrats meanwhile are pushing for a vote on the budget this Wednesday, even though they’re unlikely to get any Republican support – something they desperately need since the budget requires approval by two-thirds of the Legislature.

Another factor at play – the Summer recess, which is scheduled to begin this Friday, July 20th. But the politicians know it wouldn’t look good to head for home without passing a budget, so they are expected to stay in Sacramento until they strike a deal…something that’s not likely to happen soon.

Meanwhile, the “Fab Four” – the top legislative leaders including Senate President Don Perata of Oakland ) continue to meet, with little progress to report.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

Bob Barker Comes to the Capitol

He entertained millions of people as the game show host of “The Price is Right” and now Bob Barker is heading to Sacramento. Monday Barker will be holding a news conference to show support for a measure requiring most dogs and cats in California to be spayed or neutered.

The controversial bill by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine (D) Van Nuys, would impose a $500 fine on pet owners who fail to “fix” their pets after they are four months old. Supporters of the California Healthy Pets Act say it will save taxpayers millions of dollars by reducing the number of unwanted animals. Opponents fear the bill will dry up the supply of service animals that cater to the blind and disabled. Either way, the measure has already passed the State Assembly and moves on to the Senate.

Barker will be using his charm on Monday to win support for the bill. He used to sign off each show urging people to spay and neuter their pets.