Two months into the budget stalemate, the state senate has scheduled a vote on a spending plan today. But, Republicans say it's not something they can support. Marianne Russ reports.
The Senate is expected to vote on a spending plan that's very similar to the compromise budget Governor Schwarzenegger rolled out earlier this month.
The plan released by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata includes a temporary one-cent sales tax increase - like Schwarzenegger proposed. But with one key difference: Under the Governor's plan the tax would eventually be reduced until it was lower than the sales tax is now. Under the Democratic plan that reduction wouldn't happen.
The plan up for a vote also keeps Schwarzenegger's proposal for a larger rainy day fund for the state, and gives the Governor authority to slash spending mid-year if revenues are down.
The budget needs two Republican votes to pass the Senate. The GOP Senate Leader says he won't vote for it. It's unclear whether any other Republicans will break rank.
A few weeks ago, the Assembly rejected a spending plan that would have raised income taxes to help balance the budget.
