Brown Asks For Delay On Budget Vote

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown is asking lawmakers to delay planned votes on the budget despite his self-imposed deadline for calling a special election to extend temporary tax increases.

Brown spokesman Gil Duran on Wednesday said the governor continues to engage in discussions with lawmakers of both parties and asked for a temporary delay on a budget vote. He would not say how long a delay was needed.

The Democratic governor set Thursday as the deadline for the Legislature to put the tax question before voters in a June election. He said schools and public safety stand to benefit the most if voters approved the tax extensions.

Brown needs a two-thirds vote in the Assembly and Senate to place the question before voters, but so far Republicans have refused to go along.

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