Voters Pessimistic about Their State, Unhappy with Their Leaders

Partisan politics and the recession have virtually paralyzed state government. Governor Schwarzenegger and the legislature are setting records for low approval ratings. Government reformers say the moment has finally arrived to change the tax system, get rid of the two-thirds vote required to pass a state budget, and adjust the property-tax restrictions of Proposition 13. A new survey suggests otherwise. The Los Angeles Times has partnered with USC's College of Letters, Arts and Sciences to survey 1500 registered voters. Both Democratic and Republican polling firms were involved, and the results are a slap in the face to reformers.