Two priorities California Gov. Jerry Brown outlined in his State of the State speech will require Republican support. But the parties appear closer to agreement on health care funding than on road repairs.
The governor’s plans require tax law changes, which needs two-thirds votes and therefore, Republican votes. But they said no last year.
The governor tweaked his proposal to replace an expiring tax on health care organizations, and Republican lawmakers say they’re considering it.
But when it comes to funding road and bridge repairs, both sides are digging in.
"Sooner rather than later, we need to bite the bullet and enact new fees and taxes for this purpose," Brown said during his State of the State Address Thursday.
Assembly Republican leader Chad Mayes suggests it won’t be sooner.
"Let’s make sure that we are going to reform the system and after we reform that, and we spend the money that we currently collect, then we can have another conversation," says Mayes.
With neither side giving ground, last year’s impasse looks to be this year’s, too.
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