The Governator made the announcement Wednesday at an afternoon press conference.
Well into their second month of impasse over the budget shortfall, Schwarzenegger has already proposed tax increases to cover the deficit, and last week reduced all state employees pay to the federal minimum wage. While his Executive Order gained widespread publicity, it will have little actual effect on state employees, as the order promises to return all back pay once a budget deal is worked out with the assembly.
State Democrats vehemently opposed the Executive Order, and the State Comptroller John Chiang promised to ignore the governor's plan. State Republicans, a small minority in the Assembly issued this statement about the plan:
“Republicans understand the urgency of getting the budget done as soon as possible, which is our main focus right now. We are working very hard to avoid drastic measures like the one that is being proposed. Republicans are committed to crafting a responsible budget plan that reforms our broken system while protecting taxpayers.”
There is no word from the state Republicans about the governors latest announcement.
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