This has been interesting in California as the state is so large and it's economy so large as well. Instead of the San Quentin and Colliseum thread, the current California budget shortfall and what may happen is worthy of its own thread.

Because CA may be one example of more states to come (including my own).

I have no opinion on these cuts. There will be cuts. There have to be. Debating where and how much, of what and where is not relevant. But it will raise the angst of some of those affected, and I'm not talking about the welfare folks described below. Additional cuts have been decided and more will come.

Here are some of the possibilities:

Governor plans to completely eliminate welfare for families

May 21, 2009
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing to completely eliminate the state’s welfare program for families, medical insurance for low-income children and Cal Grants cash assistance to college and university students.



The proposals to sharply scale back the assistance that California provides to its neediest residents came in testimony by the administration this afternoon at a joint legislative budget committee hearing. It followed comments by the governor earlier today that he would be withdrawing a proposal to help balance the budget with billions of dollars of borrowing and replacing it with program reductions.

The proposals would completely reshape the state’s social service network, transforming California from one of the country’s most generous states to one of the most tightfisted. The proposals are intended to help close a budget deficit estimated at $21.3 billion.
—Eric Bailey

Link: Governor plans to completely eliminate welfare for families | L.A. Now | Los Angeles Times