Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called a last-minute session with Democratic and Republican leaders Thursday afternoon in his Capitol office, a day after downplaying such "Big Five" meetings.
Leaders sounded upbeat but remained vague after convening behind closed doors for about an hour. Today is Day 65 of the budget standoff.
"I thought it was one of the more positive, productive conversations that we've had," said Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento. "It's clear there's a desire to try to wrap this up."
Added Assembly Republican leader Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach: "I think everyone would like to see things concluded, but we need to agree upon the numbers."
Democrats and Republicans remain divided over how much to cut education and social services, and whether to use taxes to help fill the $19 billion deficit. Schwarzenegger also wants major changes in the state's pension, budget and tax systems.
The current Legislature now ranks second on the list of latest budgets dating back to at least 1977, as far back as Department of Finance records go. The latest budget was passed Sept. 16, 2008.
Governors dating back to Republican George Deukmejian have used "Big Five" meetings to help close the state budget. The closed-door process has grown in importance as lawmakers have become less capable of resolving their differences through the legislative process.
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