Governor Schwarzenegger has pushed for changes to the budget process twice before.  The overall goals have not changed.  They are to limit spending and to allow for mid-year cuts.  One attempt was Proposition 76 in 2005. 

Mark Baldassare with the Public Policy Institute of California says the idea of a spending limit played well with voters.  But he says a split between Democrats and Republicans killed it.  To succeed this time around he says the plan needs a variety of backers. 

“Chances are that voters would really view this measure through a partisan lens. It needs bi-partisan support, business and labor support.”

The Governor’s new proposal requires the state to save money when revenues are strong.  It would also trigger automatic spending reductions when there’s a budget deficit.