Union spends million bucks on ads pushing more California taxes

The Service Employees International Union, fearful that state employees will bear the brunt of California budget cuts, is trying to persuade state residents that they should pay more in taxes so state programs can be saved. The Sacramento Bee said the SEIU has launched a 1 million statewide advertising campaign.

In a May 19 special election, California voters turned down more tax increases, and the conventional wisdom in Sacramento is lawmakers of both parties won't go against the voters by pushing for more taxes. That means big program cuts to close a $24.3 billion budget gap.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's budget proposal would make deep cuts, including doing away with much of the safety net programs that aid the poorest California residents.

But in this economy, don't expect California residents to be in the mood for more taxes, no matter how persuasive the SEIU ad campaign is.