UPDATE #1: It is now nearly time for the vote and word is that the Democrats have issues with the proposed open primary ballot measure. They reportedly worry it could cut into their power base since more moderates could shift power away from the liberal leadership
Probably no vote right now but it could go all night. I will post if I hear news, or trust my fellow bloggers to do so if the deal comes early in the AM (west coast time).
Word just breaking that there may be a deal on the budget.
State Senator Abel Maldonado (R) has reportedly agreed to vote for the budget in exchange for some government reforms which would include ballot measures to 1) deny legislators pay if they don’t pass a budget in the future, 2) no pay raises for legislators in years of budget shortfalls and 3) a switch to non partisan primary process for elections which would encourage the election of more moderates from both parites since the partisans would not dominate things as much.
A vote could take place within the next hour or so.