State budget deal looking good - just don't be delusional about it

Having a single party controlling the legislature certainly helps move things along - as does an economy that's on the mend. The 2013-2014 budget being wrapped up in Sacramento gives Gov. Brown pretty much all he wants, with an emphasis on funding schools in poor communities. In addition, lawmakers have agreed to be conservative in their tax revenue estimates, which means that state spending won't suddenly take off indiscriminately. There's still quite a lot to be concerned about, however, starting with an income tax structure that relies far too much on the very wealthy (leaving the state vulnerable in not-so-good times). That much of the revenue gain this year is the result of the stock market rally doesn't seem quite reassuring. Stocks can go down just as easily. Also don't forget the billions of dollars that have been cut in recent years, much of that drawn from important social programs (not to mention operational costs, such as running the court system). Then there are the off-budget liabilities, such as pension payouts, that cannot begin to be accommodated. Of course, we're not being directed to that stuff - the focus, first and foremost, is on a budget that's in the black. Nothing wrong with that - it's better than deficits that run into the billions. But let's not lose our heads over what's really just a fiscal respite.