The landscape will be shifting at the state Capitol. Political dynamics are in transition. And the first unmistakable sign may be the Legislature's meeting its budget deadline for the first time in a generation.
The California Constitution says flat-out that "The Legislature shall pass the budget bill by midnight on June 15…." Yet, the lawmakers haven't completed their budget work on time since 1986.Who cares? Teachers sweating layoff notices, not knowing whether there'll be enough money to fund their jobs in September. Vendors who sell to the state, wondering whether they'll be stiffed again this summer. There's a long list.
Then there are millions of disgusted people who don't feel directly affected by the budget, but just understand instinctively that well-paid elected officials with generous perks should do their work on time. No excuses. That's why the Legislature's job approval rating among voters is mired in the sorry teens.
I'm an eternal optimist who admittedly too often overestimates the common sense of politicians. But I do detect some rehab underway. I'm thinking they'll kick their habits of intransigence and vacillation and pass a final budget by the deadline.
There's no legitimate reason not to and plenty of motivators. They include:
— Finally a real penalty for violating the Constitution. If legislators don't pass a balanced budget by June 15, they'll permanently lose their pay and expense money until they do approve a spending plan. Some who see a loophole are fantasizing.
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