A Republican Is Willing to Deal on Democrats' Tax Swap

Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Morain digs up a bit of possible budget good news in his Sunday column. State Sen. Roy Ashburn, a Central Valley Republican who is on his way out of the legislature, tells Morain that he sees potential in the Democratic legislative leaders' tax swap proposal. That proposal would increase income taxes and the vehicle license fee and cut the sales tax rate.

Ashburn doesn't like the proposal as is -- he suggests an even more dramatic cut in the sales tax rate than the Democrats want. And Ashburn is in, to be charitable, a weak political position, for these reasons.

But any talk of buget compromise -- and any willingness by a Republican legislator to talk taxes -- qualifies as news these days.

Let us know what you think. Comment below, send us your thoughts via Twitter @PropZero or add your comment to our Facebook page.

Contact Us