State Budget Trigger Cuts to Take Effect

Governor Brown announced today that triggers in state spending will be needed. Tax revenues have not met the projections assumed by this year's budget, passed by the legislature and signed by Brown. But it's not as bad as last month's prediction by the Legislative Analyst. The deficit is now $13 billion. Instead of adding $2 billion in red ink, Governor Brown's Finance Department says the current shortfall will add about half that much. The Governor has proposed that voters approve tax increased in next November's elections. He says if they don't, cuts will be harsher than ever.