California Dreamin'

As some of you know, I have been falling out of love with the state of California over the past 5 years or so. Do not get me wrong. I know I am I product of this state: cold weather wimp, food snob, beach comber, etc. I know that when I leave, I will become homesick at some point. However, the politics and overall economy of The Golden State have become nothing short of nauseating. Let's have an example, shall we?

California May Delay Tax Refunds

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Facing a severe cash crunch, California may delay sending out tax refunds, aid to needy residents, money for some state services and payments to businesses, the state's controller said Friday.

State controller John Chiang said in a press release that expected cash shortages in February "will force him to delay some critical payments next month," including money owed to businesses for services provided to the state, rent and food aid for older and disabled Californians. Money for certain state services and tax refunds for 2008 taxes will also be affected.

Payments for education and debt service have first claim on the state's general fund under the state constitution, federal law and court rulings. If state lawmakers don't address the budget situation, failing to delay certain other payments will put the state $346 million in the red in February and $5.2 billion in the red by April, the controller said.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday called on state lawmakers to close the state's steep budget deficit, expected to hit $42 billion over the next 18 months.

If you'd like to read more on this, here you go. I'm not going to pretend that there is some other state that is perfect, but this shit is pretty sad.