State deficit jumps to $16 billion, much higher than earlier estimate

Instead of $9.2 billion, it's $16 billion, a 74 percent increase, Gov. Brown said in a video released Saturday. He blamed the recession - specifically a shortfall in state tax receipts - as well as the federal government blocking certain budget cuts. On Monday, Brown will be releasing a revised budget for next year that's expected to include additional reductions (he didn't offer any details). He's also pushing for voters to pass a ballot initiative in November that will raise sales taxes and income taxes for the very wealthy. The video really has the look of a campaign commercial. From AP:

Democrats who control the Legislature have resisted Brown's proposed cuts so far this year. Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said he wasn't surprised by the deficit spike given that state tax revenue have fallen $3.5 billion below projections in the current year. "We will deal with it," Steinberg said Saturday. "And we know that more cuts are inevitable but we will do our very, very best to save more than we lose, especially for those in need."