Which Way, L.A.?
Jerry Brown's Budget: The Axeman Cometh
There were no real surprises, but the newly elected Governor hopes release of his budget will be a reality check for all Californians. Jerry Brown said today there's no choice but to require "sacrifice from every sector," including welfare, the University system, and cities and counties, which might well be pitted against each other to continue services many people depend on. Voters will be asked for a 5-year extension of supposedly "temporary" tax hikes to make sure it's not a lot worse. Can Brown succeed where Schwarzenegger failed? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, this weekend's shooting rampage in Tucson, Arizona.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenThere were no real surprises, but the newly elected Governor hopes release of his budget will be a reality check for all Californians. Jerry Brown said today there's no choice but to require "sacrifice from every sector." Welfare would be cut in half, the University system would take a 20% hit, and cities and counties might well be pitted against each other to continue services many people depend on. Voters will be asked for a 5-year extension of supposedly "temporary" tax hikes to make sure it's not a lot worse. Can Brown succeed where Schwarzenegger failed? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, in print, on TV and on the Internet, debate rages over what led to Saturday's deadly rampage in Tucson. We update the facts and the blame game.
Banner image: California Governor Jerry Brown (C) walks with advisors to a press conference about his proposed budget at the California State Capitol on January 10, 2011 in Sacramento, California. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
In this episode
2 storiesJerry Brown Presents a Gloomy Budget
With a $25 billion budget gap between spending and income, Governor Jerry Brown proposes $12 billion in cuts and will ask voters for $12.5 billion in extended tax hikes. He says there's no other choice. If the budget passes, the state won't be funding local redevelopment agencies.
Read the story26 minSaturday's Shooting Rampage in Tucson
Twenty-two year-old Jared Laughner was arraigned today in Phoenix, telling a federal judge he understood charges of murder and attempted murder. They stem, of course, from Saturday's deadly shootout in Tuscon. When proceedings resume in two weeks, they'll be handled by another federal judge who's not from Arizona.
Read the story28 min
