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SACRAMENTO – California government is poised to spend up to 3.1 percent more this year over last year - despite the biggest budget deficit in history.
How is this possible? Through a lot more borrowing and deferred payments, according to an analysis of the latest budget proposal prepared by the nonpartisan legislative analyst. The July 14 report obtained by The Orange County Register details how the state's reliance on borrowed money shrouds what is actually being spent.
The state spent $77.7 billion last year out of its general fund. This year, the most recent budget proposal from the Senate calls for $80.2 billion in spending, factoring in the borrowed money and one-time cash. Although no final budget deal has been reached, the borrowed money is a must, lawmakers insist. And lawmakers say they're cutting as much as they can stomach.
The extra spending next year will go toward paying for state-subsidized health care for the poor and an expected enrollment increase in public schools.
Legislative Analyst Liz Hill would not comment on her office's report.
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In a fit of 16 year old genius, I looked down through the carb while cranking it to see if fuel was flowing, and it was. Flowing straight up in a vapor cloud, around my head, on fire.
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