This is the week to get a state budget in place. If not, there's no telling how long the stalemate will drag out.
That's the word from Governor Schwarzenegger's spokesman. Aaron McLear says the governor thinks lawmakers have until Sunday to pull together a deal.
McLear says the governor insists it include changes to the budget process that would go before voters in November.
McLear: We clearly have a really bad budget system and we need to do something about that. So budget reform is very, very critical to have on the budget…"
Republican law makers have said they want a spending cap.
The governor is also pushing a proposal to squeeze more cash out of the state lottery.
California Secretary of State Debra Bowen advised Governor Schwarzenegger last weekend was the deadline to have a deal together and still make the ballot.
McLear says the governor has not yet considered the possibility of calling a special election for such measures.
