Budget uncertainty mounts in wake of Brown veto

The developments made a balanced state budget appear more elusive than ever, even though Brown said he would once again try to reach a compromise with GOP lawmakers over whether to extend a series of tax increases set to expire June 30.

Brown warned, however, of dire consequences in the form of more cuts if Republicans don't yield on the tax extensions and authorize a special election to put the question to voters.

"If they continue to obstruct a vote, we will be forced to pursue deeper and more destructive cuts to schools and public safety — a tragedy for which Republicans will bear full responsibility," the governor said in his veto message.

Brown's swift dismissal of the budget proposal and his ensuing finger-pointing raised serious questions about where things go from here as the clock winds down to June 30, a date that has become the new unofficial deadline for approving a plan to close California's remaining $9.6 billion deficit.

Democrats criticized the governor for squashing their proposal without offering a clear path toward any resolution.