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Californians will head to the polls tomorrow to vote on a number of important budget-related ballot propositions. The special election was called by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in response to the state’s ongoing budget crisis. Californians will be asked to decide on Propositions 1A through 1F that deal with everything from so-called “rainy day” funds and education spending, to diverting money from mental health and children’s services. Just last week, Governor Schwarzenegger, who has seen his approval ratings plummet to 33%, continued to caution that if the propositions on the ballot were not passed, he would be forced to make deeper cuts into education and possibly borrow from local governments in announcing a projected worst-case scenario $21.3 billion dollar budget shortfall. Opponents accuse the Governor of trying to sway voters ahead of tomorrow’s election by using what they call “scare tactics.” In any case, the first five budget-related propositions on the ballot have not polled favorably with potential voters. Only Prop 1F, which would bar pay increases for state legislators in budget deficit years, has enjoyed popular support ahead of tomorrow’s special election.

GUEST: David Greenwald, Editor of California Progress Report. For more information, visit www.californiaprogressreport.com.