State Budget

The recent budget impasse provides insight into the politicized process of budget negotiations. After the state amasses a $4.2-billion surplus of money we overpaid in taxes, no one can agree on how to give it back to us.

In the mid-’90s, the state budget stood at an unprecedented $45 billion. Today it is $75.8 billion, a two-thirds increase in just a few years. We keep hearing there is not enough money for roads, education and public safety. Where is all that money going?

Thanks, Legislature, for the $30-billion hike in the state budget, the scant 24% reduction in the car tax, and an onerous Smog Check II that will cost us billions for no good reason. Maybe we should just be happy with our paltry $1.4-billion “tax abatement.”

RICHARD DEIGHT

Buena Park