There is much to like in the package of reforms the Legislature's Democratic leadership rolled out last week. It contains elements to instill more spending restraint in Sacramento, such as requiring legislators to identify funding sources when they pass bills that cost the state $25 million or more a year. It even gives the governor broader authority to reduce spending when lawmakers fail to act in a fiscal emergency.
The Democrats' proposal also would bring better fiscal practices to the budget process by requiring legislators to more clearly establish priorities and to plan for the long term.