possible common sence from government?

California Senate approves long-awaited budget

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California Senate has approved a long-awaited budget package intended to wipe out a $42 billion deficit, possibly steering the state clear of a fiscal disaster. The budget awaits approval by the Assembly.

The vote could finally bring a drawn-out budget battle to a close after leaders agreed to ask voters to revise the state's constitution to allow open primaries for legislative, congressional and gubernatorial elections to win state Sen. Abel Maldonado's support.

Leaders also met his demands to remove a provision to increase the gas tax, freeze legislators' salaries in deficit budget years and to eliminate new office furniture budgeted for the state controller.

I think this may just be a landmark. For the legislature to not get money when the state budget is in a deficit, that is amazing enlightenment! Apparently this amazing reform is because they needed a Republican vote to pass it. How quaint.