Democrats trying to deal deficit a blow

Democrats trying to deal deficit a blow: 

"Following a brief Olympic torch-bearing stint in Vancouver, B.C., Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is nearing the end of another work week of plotting cost-cutting schemes and hamming it up for camera-toting spectators.


It appears the governor's beloved spotlight has shifted outside his party this week.


The Senate Budget Committee Tuesday voted in favor of a Democratic tax strategy aimed at diverting state property and gasoline revenue toward California's massive deficit."


Following the 8-2 vote, state lawmakers are optimistic that an effort to phase out California's sales tax on gasoline and create a 4 percent residential and commercial property insurance fee will generate nearly $6 billion in debt relief by the end of the fiscal year beginning in July. The plan, which has the support of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger following failed attempts to borrow large sums of federal bailout dollars, could spare education and social service cuts in the coming months. The proposal still requires approval from the Senate and Assembly.

Gov. Schwarzenegger this week is also seeking a replacement for former Employment Development Department Director Patrick Henning, who resigned last year amid pressure by state officials over the