California Counties Warn of Mutiny Over State Budget Crisis

The L.A. Times reports:

Fed up with what they see as a state raid on cash that belongs to them, top officials from a dozen counties converged on Sacramento on Thursday and warned that mutiny is near.

In a contentious meeting attended by a half-dozen legislators, the officials threatened lawsuits, vowed to withhold local taxes owed to Sacramento and said they would shut down unfunded state programs -- including those aiding children and the poor -- if the "deadbeat state," as one official put it, does not change its ways.

Their anger stems from money the state owes the counties but has delayed paying amid the ongoing fiscal crisis. Some of that cash -- but not all of it -- could start flowing again if lawmakers pass a state spending plan in coming days. State officials may continue to hold back some cash indefinitely.

California wants you to pay your taxes on time, but look at how they meet their financial obligations. The monopolist feels it is exempt from generally accepted rules of society. Do you want this sort of institution to run your health plan?