California's budget

One reason it has taken so long for the California legislature to come up with a way to bridge its budget shortfall is its own budgeting requirements. California is one of only a handful of states that require more than a simple majority to pass budget bills. Rhode Island, like California, requires a two-thirds vote. Arkansas requires supermajority votes to pass most appropriation bills but a simple majority to approve a separate bill that sets our state's spending priorities. Fifteen states, including California and Arkansas, require more than simple majorities to raise taxes, at least in some circumstances.

This is one area where California is considering a change. Another change they've considered -- thanks to Governor Schwarzenegger, is devising a budgeting mechanism much like our Revenue Stabilization Act, which was created by Governor Ben Laney back in 1945. So far, he's been unable to convince the legislature that its a worthy model.