Cashed Out in California
The California legislature has taken quite a beating in the press lately over their failure to deal with the state’s $42 billion budget deficit. Governor Schwarzenegger wants lawmakers to find common ground in time for his state of the state address on Thursday. If no such miracle occurs, the governor could always do what any self respecting modern politician would do; use soothing language to make screw ups sound like accomplishments. Here are a few suggestions.
Family Friendly Furloughs
Rather than talk about monthly work furloughs as unpaid days off for state employees, the governor should emphasize all the extra time parents will have to spend with their children. Families can share quality moments engaged in fun activities like clipping coupons, playing checkers and listening to the radio. It will be like the 1930s all over again.
Snowed Under Days
Why should those East Coast kids get a day off from school every time a blizzard passes through New England? Out here schools are buried in red ink, so dropping five days from the school year saves money and gives California students a head start on that laid back lifestyle.
Promise to Pay
Californians won’t enjoy getting IOUs in the mail next month instead of state income tax refunds. After all, IOUs seem so childish. The governor should pretend that these obligations are real and refer to them as solemn promises to pay.
February 20th, 2009 at 7:36 am
[...] State Tarnished by Bob Betzen Hold those pink slips! The California legislature has finally passed a budget in the same way that anxious people pass kidney stones – painfully. [...]