The California budget deficit is arguably the single most important problem faced by the state today. The deficit is attributed to a variety of reasons, chief of which is the inability to pass the budget on time. The reason for this inability is the two-third majority required for passing any budget in the state, which often results in a deadlock. Proposition 25 proposes that the number of votes required to pass a budget should be reduced to a simple majority. 

Prop. 25 wants the State legislature to be bound to pass budgets in a timely manner and failing to do so will result in a liability for lawmakers. Liability is decided in the form of forfeiture of pay for all the days they refrain from passing the budget after the date earmarked for it. The number of votes required for passing the budget is reduced to a simple majority from the gridlock prone two-third majority. Also, Prop. 25 clarifies that while a simple majority is the requirement for passing the budget, changes in taxation will still require two-third majority. 

The biggest advantage of Prop. 25 is that it will resolve the current budget crisis. Several sectors in the state including education, healthcare, public utilities, etc. are facing enormous budget cuts and problems because of the inability of the Californian legislature to pass the budget on time. Moreover, this inability to pass timely budgets results in a huge waste of money, much of which could be utilized elsewhere. Another key advantage of Prop. 25 is that it will put an end to all the ransom tricks that the minority segments of the legislature use against the majority. It is interesting to note that apart from three states in the country, all others have a simple majority for passing budgets. 

The major argument of the opponents or Prop. 25 is that they fear it will ultimately lead to higher taxes through simple majority votes. Despite evidence of the contrary, these opponents feel that the changes in tax law through majority vote can easily gain a backdoor entry into the voting process.

Despite the fears expressed by those opposing Prop. 25, the proposition itself is a positive step towards resolving the current budget crisis  while building a 'common sense' foundation for future legislative battles. Passing Prop. 25 will ultimately mean more state expenditure on education, health, and important areas. Most of which are neglected today.