Compromise California budget falls short in state Assembly
Sacramento, California-AP -- More problems for embattled Governor Gray Davis and the state of California. A compromise budget aimed at covering the state's record deficit has fallen nine votes short early today on the state Assembly floor. The proposal had been approved by the state Senate on Sunday night with the required two-thirds majority.
The failure to pass the budget is at least a temporary setback for Republican and Democratic party leaders in both houses. They had backed the plan, which calls for a mix of spending cuts, borrowing and a range of higher fees.
Governor Davis had been hoping for a resolution of the budget stalemate, now 29 days old. Davis is facing a recall election in October. An approved budget could boost his standing in the polls.
The budget has now been put on hold, as key lawmakers try to persuade reluctant colleagues to vote for it.
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