Feds Reject Plea for Calif. Bailout

Aid ruled out for now as state warns of fiscal meltdown
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 16, 2009 6:09 AM CDT
Feds Reject Plea for Calif. Bailout
A statue of a golden bear is seen outside the California Exposition and State Fairgrounds in Sacramento. The fairgrounds may be sold to help balance the state's budget.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

The federal government has rejected pleas for emergency aid from top California officials, reports the Washington Post. State officials warn that its budget crisis is approaching the point of a "fiscal meltdown" that will cause massive cuts and deepen the state's recession. But the Obama administration fears bailing out California will open the door for similar demands from other states.

State lawmakers say California is "too big to fail," and warn that a lengthier recession in California would delay the rest of the country's recovery. Insiders say federal officials, including Tim Geithner, haven't ruled out helping California if the situation worsens, but will ensure any help comes with conditions to protect taxpayers. Geithner has stressed that states should take responsibility for balancing their own budgets.
(More Federal government stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X