Lawmakers upbeat about state budget

SACRAMENTO - Legislative leaders on Wednesday spent a second day in lengthy negotiations over a $140 billion state budget and said they were optimistic they would strike a deal before the end of the week.

Earlier in the day, Democratic leaders of the Senate and Assembly canceled scheduled votes in their respective houses that would have signaled an impasse with Republicans.

It was not clear exactly what concessions the two sides had discussed behind closed doors. But after three of the leaders unexpectedly emerged for a walk around the Capitol grounds, Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman said Republicans had proposed an across-the-board cut of 1percent to 2percent for all state agencies as a possible way to end the 18-day budget standoff.

Republicans have been holding out for $2 billion in cuts, while Democrats want to preserve funding, especially for education and social service programs.

I definitely support the democrats on this.. if the republicans cut the $2 billion dollars then our schools will definitely not have money nor will anything else.. they should not cut funds for anything.