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Sacramento, CA– In a budget forum with state lawmakers and local government officials today, Governor-elect Jerry Brown projected an even bigger budget deficit for next year.
The predicted budget shortfall of $28.1 billion is higher than earlier estimates of $25.4 billion. Brown says he doesn’t expect to reach any agreements unless leaders of the state understand the problem.
The dialogue was one Brown pledged during his campaign and marks a different approach from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger after he was elected in 2003.
The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office has projected a $25.4 billion shortfall through June 2012. Brown released figures that show the state stands to lose another $2.7 billion from possible changes to the federal estate tax.
Written by tina.falco@mlode.com
