We still do not have a budget and cities are starting to lay people off and force retirements. Meanwhile Wonks Anonymous dead tree paper, The SF Comical reports with some surprise that a substantial majority of voters would like to see taxes raised to balance the California state budget and preserve public services.

To which Wonks Anonymous responds with a resounding Duuuuuh! The legislature has been deadlocked over the budget for almost a year now because the state constitution requires a two thirds majority to pass a budget or to raise taxes.

A substantial majority of people in this state voted for Democrats who have been trying to raise taxes for about a year now. Slightly more than one third of the electorate are free market fundamentalists who always vote Republican and who oppose tax hikes. Because of the state constitution, the representatives of a minority of voters have been able to block any constructive action on the state budget.

They are talking about holding a special election to break the budget deadlock. The first proposition on the ballot for this election should amend the constitution to restore majority rule.