CA leaders take break from budget talks

SACRAMENTO, CA

The leaders planned to resume talks Tuesday on how to close the state's $42 billion budget deficit. The shortfall, projected through June 2010, has forced California to delay tax refunds and shut down most state offices on alternating Fridays.

Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders from both parties met for about two hours Sunday before the governor left for Idaho to attend the winter games of the Special Olympics.

The Senate leader, Democrat Darrell Steinberg of Sacramento, has said he hopes for a vote this week even though Republicans have yet to agree to tax increases.

This Friday the 13th will mark the 100th day since Schwarzenegger called lawmakers into special session to address the fiscal crisis.

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