Republican lawmakers kill California budget proposal

Assembly Republicans on Sunday blocked a proposed spending plan that would have closed the state's $15.2-billion shortfall with the help of tax hikes on the wealthy and corporations.

The failure of the Democratic plan means the state will continue to operate with no budget more than a month and a half into the fiscal year, heightening uncertainty for schools, healthcare providers and other services.

The move by GOP lawmakers came as little surprise on the Assembly floor since Republicans have long said they would vote against the tax proposal. But as public pressure mounted on lawmakers to take action on the budget, and back-room negotiations continued to falter, Democrats decided to bring the measure to the floor Sunday night.

The Assembly heard nearly four hours of debate during which 49 members spoke. In the end, the plan garnered a 45 to 30 plurality, but fell short of the 54 votes, or two-thirds majority, it needed. No Republican voted for it.