By Steve Pehanich
California Catholic Conference

Why is it that California seems to be in one long budget crisis? Like the boy who cried wolf, the refrain has grown stale. But in 2009 it will become downright dangerous for millions of Californians.

With the credit crisis and the nation in an economic nosedive, many of us are at risk. People are losing their homes. Jobs are becoming scarce. Aid to the disabled, elderly and blind is being reduced. Schools, health care, roads, and water policy all need attention.

So why do our leaders in Sacramento continue to stare each other down?

Because that is what the current political system in California promotes. Like a dull pain in the side, they have grown used to it. And our leaders have no incentive to change.

As it is now:

• Polarization is leaving California a mere shadow of its former self.

• Inadequate budgeting — characterized more by brinksmanship than statesmanship — has made the Golden State a fiscal mess.

• Runaway initiatives — introduced when lawmakers fail to deal with important issues or, worse, to satisfy the desires of one special interest — create a mishmash of contradictory laws and regulations.

At best, we will continue to muddle through. At worst, such as with the current economic morass, we are leading to a painful shutdown of state services.

By continuing their inaction, state leaders are making the situation worse. Each side blames the other and is waiting for the other to cave-in. Meanwhile, all Californians — especially the poor and vulnerable — continue to sink.

The new class of legislators is following the same script as their predecessors, so don’t expect any change until they are forced to act.

Politics in California starts with Democrats ignoring Republican legislation throughout the year. Each caucus decides its member’s position on almost all bills.
Sure, there’s the traditional horse trading at the Capitol: you vote for my bill, I’ll vote for yours. Of course, Republican lawmakers get bills passed.

But that’s not enough to deal with significant issues like health insurance, water policy, social services and a host of other critical state functions that require a bi-partisan consensus, and a two-thirds super-majority vote for the fiscal elements of any plan.

Do not look for any leadership in California to breaking this reoccurring stalemate. Governor Schwarzenegger tried. He came in with bluster, vowing to change the system. It hasn’t worked. In fact, it is a little worse.

Candidates are beginning to line up for their shot at taming the California political beast.

Lt. Governor John Garamendi (Dem.) has already declared his candidacy for the 2010 gubernatorial race. Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner (Rep.) — with 70 percent of Republican lawmakers endorsing him — has done everything but.

Expect a blast from the past: former Governor Jerry Brown is likely to run, and Mayors Gavin Newsom (SF) and Antonio Villaraigosa (LA) are also mentioned frequently.

There are a host of others from both parties exploring the possibilities.

The economy, of course, will continue to dominate California politics, just as it did during the presidential election. Unemployment may rise to double digits and home foreclosures will continue.

Economists almost universally project a long recession. As with many national trends this might hit California particularly hard. A federal bailout of California and several other states appears likely.

But, just like any bailout, it is only a temporary solution; it will not deal with the issues that have made the state nearly ungovernable. Despite the very real possibilities of closing down state projects and issuing IOUs as early as February, the legislature is playing a game of chicken again.

Both parties have very legitimate concerns and real issues. But the inability and unwillingness to talk with each other is irresponsible. Under the current state of affairs all of California is going to suffer again.

Albert Einstein described insanity as doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result.

California leaders are trying their best to prove him right again in 2009. They need to stop politicking and start governing. It’s the only way to give the 37 million diverse residents of the Golden State the responsible government we deserve.

(Steve Pehanich is the director of advocacy and education for the California Catholic Conference. For information on state politics and a convenient way to contact elected officials visit www.cacatholic.org)

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