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California Dems Outline Cuts If Tax Hikes Aren't Extended

SACRAMENTO (AP) -- Democratic lawmakers are showing just how widespread budget cuts will be in California if the Legislature or voters do not extend temporary tax hikes to help close a $26.6 billion deficit.

A memo drafted by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office at the request of Democratic lawmakers says California would have to allow oil drilling to be expanded off the coast of Santa Barbara, end class-size reduction efforts in kindergarten through third grade, reduce wildland firefighting and end support for various public safety programs.

The state also would have to cut another 9 percent from state employee pay and raise college tuition.

Sen. Mark Leno, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, released the memo Monday. The cuts are in addition to $12.5 billion in cuts proposed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

(© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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