Analyst: Jerry Brown plan creates ‘much uncertainty’ for state government

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The state’s independent budget analyst said Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to ask voters to ratify his proposed tax increases creates uncertainty for local governments and school districts.

“At this point, the outcome providing the most certainty would be the Legislature and Governor reaching a budget agreement without going to the voters,” reads a report analyzing Brown’s revised budget.

“If, however, the tax measures are to go before voters, it might be preferable to have the election at the end of the fiscal year so that parties affected by the budget would at least have certainty as to funding levels for the entire fiscal year.”

That would mean an election in June 2012, something that has been suggested quietly by Democrats and their allies. Brown has said his preference is for a fall election, though he gave no firm date in the revised budget he released Monday.

Read the LAO’s full review of Brown’s budget.

-- Anthony York