Jerry Hill Survey

Assemblyman Jerry Hill released the results of a poll he has taken on some state budget issues.  I seem to recall the survey being solicited off of his e-mail list which isn't really a representative sample (no pun intended), but nonetheless here are some results:

Should the deficit be solved using only cuts to state programs?
Yes 31.3%
No 68.7%

Should the deficit be solved using a combination of cuts to state programs and other solutions such as borrowing, fees and taxes?
Yes 65.4%
No 34.6%

Should corrections and our state prison system be the main priority area for reductions in state spending during this deficit?
Yes 54.7%
No 45.3%

Should we reduce funding to K-12 education and community college, CSU and UC funding in this year's budget?
Yes 23.4%
No 76.6%

Should the main focus of the budget be job creation and economic development?
Yes 67.8%
No 32.2%

Should state programs like environmental regulation and health services take a back seat to education funding and economic development in this year's budget?
Yes 49.2%
No 50.8%

I disagree with Jerry about removing the 2/3 vote requirement to pass a budget.  It's there for a reason and in a state with so many "safe" seats I think it is one lever we have to get representatives to negotiate.

Comments

[David desJardins]

Negotiate? The 2/3 requirement seems to mostly encourage the minority to not give an inch, because they know no budget can be passed if they don't get their demands.

[hillsider]

I agree, David. The 2/3rds has been responsible for the stalemate. It doesn't work, so change it.

[SJM]

The result of going to simple majority vote on the budget would be more taxes, more government deficit spending, more unemployment and more business departures to more friendly states. It's that simple. The irony of Hill's position is that he was in the minority for years before he switched parties so he could move up to Sacramento. Now he is toeing the line. State government is a bloated bureaucracy that needs a housecleaning.