Report: Gov. Brown's Budget Would Help Rebuild California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The Legislature's nonpartisan analyst is calling Gov. Jerry Brown's budget proposal a "good starting point" for rebuilding state government.

   Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor released his assessment of Brown's proposal Wednesday. Brown wants to close an estimated $25.4 billion shortfall with temporary tax extensions, deep program cuts and a reorganization of state and local governments.

   Taylor credits Brown's proposal for looking for long-term solutions for a state that has faced persistent budget problems. He says Brown's proposals to shift more state responsibilities to local governments are bold and "have much merit."

   Still, the analyst says there is plenty of risk in the governor's plan. Taylor cautions that a government reorganization comes with legal and fiscal hurdles.

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