by Jack Lee
California wild fires are the worst in this state’s history and the most costly. Over 25,000 fire fighters have been battling the blazes since mid-June and the cost of saving lives and property is staggering and far from over. California doesn’t have that kind of money; in fact California can’t even pay its regular bills – never mind the billions in emergency expenses! However, the federal government has promised to step in to help California. Unfortunately, 49 other states are also facing budget shortfalls, but none quite as dire as California that has overspent by 15 billion and some are saying that estimate is still too low.
No wonder the law makers in Sacramento are having trouble with the budget, they don’t even know how much the state’s owes, but that little detail has never stopped them from spending! The budget is now a month past due and the Gubernator is threatening to cut a $1.50 from the hourly wages of state employees to get us through this fiscal crisis.
Meanwhile, California bridges are suffering from deferred maintenance due to a lack of funding. Bridge inspectors are warning state officials we could have another bridge disaster like the Minneapolis Bridge collapse unless something is done about this and fast. More requests for federal money?