*Brown says he's encouraged about a budget deal

The governor hopes to reach a budget deal with the legislature by March 10, most likely enough time to arrange a special election in June that would ask voters to approve a tax extension. "I think we're within striking distance of getting something out of the Legislature that will give the people a chance to vote," Brown said this afternoon. "The mood is reasonably positive." He also noted that, "This is not what we're seeing in other parts of the country," perhaps referring to the budget impasse in Wisconsin that has brought out thousands of protesters. Up to now the signals coming out of Sacramento have been largely discouraging. Brown wants to close a $26.6 billion deficit through budget cuts and the tax extension, but Republicans are balking at having voters consider the tax component. (Capitol Alert)

*Update: With only limited changes, Brown's budget plans got through the committees of both houses, but there was next to no Republican support. Now the separate bills must go to a conference committee, where they'll work to reconcile the differences. Still to be resolved are Brown's proposals to eliminate redevelopment agencies, and get the tax hike extension on the June ballot. (SF Chronicle)