California’s Budget, or Lack Thereof
by Rebecca Burgoyne
CFC Research Analyst
July 7, 2010
Last week, just in time for the Independence Day holiday weekend, legislative leaders sent their members home – despite their failure to enact a budget prior to the July 1 start of the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Joint Rule 51 (b)(2) – principles formally adopted to govern the operation of both houses – says “The Legislature shall be in recess from July 2 until August 2. This recess may not commence until the Budget Bill is passed.” Yet, Friday, both Senate pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Assembly Speaker John Pérez (D-Los Angeles) dismissed their respective bodies for summer recess – provided members can return to the Capitol within a 24-hour window should a budget deal be reached. Only legislative leaders and the 10-member joint budget conference committee will remain in Sacramento. [READ MORE]