Brown Defends Deep Cuts In California Budget

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown is defending the cuts and restructuring proposals in his budget plan against attacks by mayors who say it will cost jobs and health care advocates who say it could cost lives.

   Brown said during a news conference Wednesday that the state is in a crisis and has no choice but to make deep spending cuts and extend temporary tax increases. The budget deficit is projected to be $25 billion over the next 18 months.

   The Democratic governor says the state needs to "pull the Band-Aid off" quickly and deal with painful budget decisions now. He says that will position the state for a long-term recovery.

   Brown spoke before meeting with mayors from nine of California's largest cities who oppose his proposal to eliminate redevelopment agencies and enterprise zones.

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