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Republicans and Democrats are looking to the 2012 elections as they negotiate a budget to avoid a government shutdown this year. Last week the second stop-gap spending bill of the year was passed by the Senate, funding the federal government until April 8th. The two chambers have yet to find a compromise that satisfies each party. House Republicans have so far been united behind their budget proposal, H.R.1. It is laden with controversial “riders” that are being criticized for turning the budget battle into a culture war. One rider eliminates funding for Planned Parenthood health centers. Several others target the Environmental Protection Agency, including one that bars the EPA from regulating the disposal of coal ash into the environment. Tomorrow a broad coalition of interests in California will rally in downtown Los Angeles at 2:30pm to protest H.R.1. The coalition states that House Republican’s budget proposal would result in $1 billion less for LA county. At a time when the state of California is facing significant budget shortfalls the loss of federal money could result in more lay-offs and stagnant growth.

GUESTS: Nancy Berlin, Director of California Partnership; Marshal Wright Arts and Culture Director of Environment California

Find out more at environmentcalifornia.org, and california-partnership.org.

What: Economic Recovery: Don’t Slam on the Brakes – Protest Against H.R. 1, Rally for Jobs
When: Tomorrow, Wednesday March 23, 2:30pm
Where: Edward Roybal Federal Plaza, 225 Temple Street at Broadway near the Civic Center Metro stop