California is on the verge of starting to lay off some 20,000 government workers because of the budget stalemate. In addition to the layoffs, the state also plans to halt all remaining public works projects, potentially putting thousands of construction workers out of jobs.

“We are dealing with a catastrophe of unbelievable proportions,” said state Sen. Alan Lowenthal, a Democrat from Long Beach and chairman of the Senate transportation committee.

Senate leader Darrell Steinberg called a session for Tuesday and said he would put the tax provisions of the budget proposal up for a vote, even if they would not pass.

Key elements require passage by a two-thirds majority of the Senate and Assembly thus three GOP votes in each house. The wide-ranging proposal also is designed to stimulate the economy by accelerating some public works projects and giving tax breaks to some businesses.

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USA Today

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Read an update on the budget debate at the

Sacramento Bee

.