What, then, is the net effect of this bewildering system, in which budgeting arises from the interplay of an atrophied legislature and a patchwork of voter decisions?

ECONOMIST: California: Not quite Greek, but still weak | The

Overall, the government is budgeting more money for the new, cash-based benefits than it currently spends on the old system.

ECONOMIST: For richer or for poorer? | The