California budget resolution. My trip from being surprised to disappointed on drilling.

In the earlier negotiations with party leaders and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, an agreement was reached to raise $100 million by drilling for oil off Santa Barbara. I couldn't believe it, but was happy as California and the country sure need this oil.

This agreement fell apart when it reached the full California assembly. As reported in The New York Times:

The Assembly rejected a revenue-raising measure to drill for oil off Santa Barbara, blowing another $100 million hole in the plan that is likely to be compensated for in line-item vetoes made by the governor.

The state’s nebulous way of managing its budget negotiations, as well as other oddities of its fiscal situation, are almost certain to be taken on by outside groups this year who wish to change the state’s tax system and perhaps its entire Constitution.