Because their hands are tied by an absolutely idiotic rule requiring a 2/3 vote of the state legislature to pass the state budget, today the state of California will halt all public works projects and lay off 20,000 state workers.
The hold up? They need just one Republican in the state senate to achieve the 2/3 needed to pass the budget. But, as usual, the GOP aren't cooperating.
Update: The state senate went back into session at 10am this morning and will not be adjourned until a bill is passed. "We will put the tax bill on call and we will stay on this floor until we get it done," said Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg. "Bring a toothbrush, bring whatever necessities you need to bring because I will not allow anyone to go home to resume their lives."
