A California Republican

State senators approved a deal to close the state’s $40+ billion budget deficit this morning after agreeing to give Sen. Abel Maldonado(R-Santa Maria) most of the changes he demanded in exchange for providing the crucial 27th vote.

Here is some of what Sen. Maldonado got in return for his vote (turns out quid pro quo isn’t dead yet):

• A constitutional amendment establishing an open primary system. The measure will place on the June 2010 ballot an open primary proposal affecting congressional and state races in 2012 and beyond. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It will create more of a “moderate” legislature, instead of the ideologs we have now. However, there are not provisions that the Democrats - and Republicans - have to support it. He should’ve gotten those.

Under the plan, the top two candidates in a primary would face off in a general election. Candidates would not participate in partisan primaries, but they would be able to retain their party labels on the ballot.

• A constitutional amendment banning legislative pay increases during deficit years. This measure is intended for a May 19 special election ballot, along with measures to make changes to the California lottery and establish a “rainy day” fund. Finally, someone with some sense about what motivates the legislators and making them pay too - not just their staff and other state workers.

Legislative leaders rejected Maldonado’s proposal to eliminate legislative pay altogether when the budget is late, arguing the idea was unconstitutional. This was a no-brainer. It should be passed. It would only be unconstitutional if a court ruled it was - and that would only happen in someone affected by the law (a legislator) brought it before the court. They didn’t want this. Which is too bad - because it is a good idea.

• Elimination of the 12-cent additional gas tax, which was estimated to bring in $2.1 billion through June 2010. The money will be replaced with a 0.25 percent increase in the state income tax, federal stimulus dollars and more than $600 million in line-item vetoes. Let’s plan on federal stimulus dollars. It is always a good idea to plan on your parents bailing you out of a  bad situation - or not. So let’s plan on that. It is a ridiculous idea.

What happens when California doesn’t get federal money?

The changes are headed to the Assembly, where members were waiting for the Senate to finish up before sending the package to Schwarzenegger.

And after it is signed, it will be out of balance in 20 minutes.