California legislators are expected to vote late today on a $17 billion package of tax increases and program cuts pushed by Democrats to help bridge the state's massive budget gap.
Republicans were quick to criticize the proposal, however, saying it would not win GOP votes and does nothing to stimulate the economy or provide hope for the unemployed.
"It's not what Californians need," said Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines.
California's car tax would triple under the Democrats' proposal, to 2 percent, thus reigniting a hotly controversial issue that helped spark the recall of former Gov. Gray Davis in 2003.
Funding for schools and colleges would be cut, as would aid to many of the state's most needy residents - including the aged, blind and disabled.
Read the full story at sacbee.com.