CA - Report details deep cuts to schools, public safety if taxes fail

Democratic lawmakers on Monday warned just how widespread budget cuts could be in California if the Legislature or voters do not extend temporary tax hikes to help close a $26.6 billion deficit.

California would have to allow oil drilling to be expanded off the coast of Santa Barbara; end class-size reduction efforts in kindergarten through third grade; reduce wildland firefighting; and stop support for various public safety programs, according to a memo drafted by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office at the request of Democrats.

The state also would have to cut another 9 percent from state employee pay and again raise college tuition. The reductions totaling $13.5 billion are in addition to $12.5 billion in cuts already proposed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

"The numbers speak for themselves," said Sen. Mark Leno, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, who released the memo. "In January, the governor's budget proposal clarified that $5.9 billion in public safety expenditures and $5 billion in K-12 education expenditures were at risk without the extension of today's tax rates. The LAO's numbers are quite similar."

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