Author: Jean Ross

A primer on spending caps

As the June 15 budget deadline approaches, rumors that the Legislature will send yet another spending cap to the ballot abound. These rumors are somewhat surprising, since voters haven’t even had the chance to weigh in on the last cap sent to the ballot – ACA 4 of 2010, approved as part of last October’s budget agreement – and the fact that California’s existing cap is arguably one of the toughest in the nation. Details of what may, or may not, be under consideration are well hidden under the cone of silence. But the details are crucial, and how a spending limit is designed will determine what kind of consequences it will have for the state and its people. Here are some issues to consider.

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