It's a wise move. It would help if lawmakers would allow more leeway by avoiding setting line-item spending for state agencies. If the Legislature sticks its head in the sand and refuses to take responsibility for an accurate budget, department heads shouldn't have to steer around sacred cows. Calif. California's energy woes are reaching dire levels, with state leaders now taking the U.S. government to court. State officials fear federal inaction jeopardizes the health and safety of the poor and elderly.
Emergencies outweigh ideology.
Poverty and heat stroke aren't good arguments against federalism and for an unfettered free market economy. Send this article as a postcard Copyright 2001, The Clarion-Ledger. Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service . We welcome your comments. E-mail us .