Calif. GOP Lawmakers Form Caucus Opposing Tax Vote
SACRAMENTO (AP) — In a show of solidarity, Republican lawmakers have formed a new caucus to oppose any deal to close California's $26.6 billion budget deficit that involves tax increases.
The GOP lawmakers on Wednesday said they will not support Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to place a five-year extension of higher sales, income and vehicle taxes on a special election ballot unless voters also have the chance to enact a tax cut of equal or larger value.
Brown wants a combination of spending cuts and tax extensions.
His spokesman, Gil Duran, says deeper budget cuts will be necessary without the tax extensions.
Meanwhile, Democratically controlled committees on Wednesday began reconciling their separate budget plans, which largely mirror the one presented in January by Brown.
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