Props fail in California

Predictably, voters rejected myriad propositions that would have closed the budget deficit by, among other things, taking money away from services such as mental health and early development programs. The reason, I think, is because most voters are liberals and would like to see higher taxes for more services.

Of course, despite this, the legislature can't ever pass a tax increase, because such bills require a 2/3 supermajority, and so a small coterie of hard-core conservatives are able to squelch it every time.

The budget situation is only going to get much worse from here. But I like it that way. I want there to be a budget meltdown. Because this is the only way we're ever going to force meaningful reform of the screwed-up budget process in this state.

No more 2/3 supermajority! No more budgets by referendum!