Politics

Brown budget cuts to be broad and deep *

New governor Jerry Brown will propose budget cuts in the coming days that "would touch nearly all Californians, eliminating local redevelopment agencies, shrinking social service benefits, shuttering parks and reducing library hours," the Sacramento Bee reports based on a source familiar with Brown's budget work.

Brown, to be sworn in this morning, wants to slash virtually every state-funded program to help balance California's massive deficit, in many cases resurrecting cuts sought by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger but rejected by lawmakers. Brown would restrict Medi-Cal access, divert low-level offenders to county jails and cut deeply into California State University and the University of California.

The Democrat is counting on lawmakers to approve the cuts to encourage voters to also provide revenue. A June ballot measure would extend higher tax rates on income, vehicles and sales set to expire this year, as well as eliminate a new corporate tax benefit. The money from the vehicle and sales tax extensions would be sent to local governments, which would take on some functions the state performs now.

Brown also wants to take money from voter-approved accounts that fund early childhood development and mental health care, a plan similar to one rejected by voters in 2009.

More from inauguration day: Joe Mathews at Zocalo Public Square, Joel Kotkin on California's third Brown era, Calbuzz with five key questions, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is already upset, plus Brown's inauguration leads the "Madeleine Brand Show" this morning at 9 on KPCC.

Also on Madeleine Brand: Ed Leibowitz from Los Angeles Magazine talking about the Schwarzenegger legacy.

Maria Shriver tweets: "I want to thank the CHP who protected us for 7 years. They were great role models to my kids. Hard working, honest, ethical men and women."

* Brown now official: He's the governor again. Low-key swearing-in.


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