Editor's note: Wednesday we asked readers to comment on the stalemate that will force the state to begin paying its bills with IOUs. Here are some of the e-mails responses we received:

To the forum:

As a former California resident, I am amazed at the budget sinkhole this state got itself into. I can't understand why Republicans would oppose a $15 vehicle fee (to keep parks open) when they are more than willing to spend that much extra one time at the pump to fill up their gas guzzlers. This is ridiculous and mean-spirited to the max!

One way to save money is to release prisoners for marijuana offenses and to have the remaining ones grow their own food in garden plots inside the walls instead of having tax payers fund food contractors to feed them. We could save many millions on that alone. Besides, they'd be a lot healthier which would reduce medical costs.

As for IOUs, it is only postponing payment, it doesn't solve the crisis. Besides, who will honor them? People have to eat. It's time to grow victory gardens and the city needs to open empty spaces for people to grow their own food or starve. The state will no longer be able to feed the poor and hungry so at least provide them the means to feed themselves whether at home or in prison.

Eva Uran
former California resident now living in Hawaii

The Democrats continue to try and rape the people of California, while cow cowing to there State union interest The Democrats and the State Unions are determined to destroy this once great State. Democrats remember, without employers there will be no employees to pay taxes and both are running from you.

C. Fishel
Orangevale

Yes! They should have passed the partial bill!! The Governor is being stubborn and frankly a jerk! He is being unreasonable and irresponsible! Why won't he raise those few and simple taxes?? What makes California Republicans think they can live in this state for free? Go ahead and raise my taxes so children can have health care and adequate schooling. The Governor is punishing the working class and once again big business gets to skate. The Senate and Assembly Democrats have done a great job and the Governor is stomping his feet and throwing a tantrum yelling, "No! That's not what I wanted! I want it my way! Go back and do it my now!" he is acting like a big overgrown baby on the backs of the working class! Once and for all, get rid of the two thirds!!

Claire Watkins
Lincoln

California has been issuing IOU's for decades.

If you cross the border illegally, IOU free medical care, welfare, housing etc.

If you break a law, IOU free medical, 3 meals a day, an education etc.

If you have more babies than you can afford, IOU free medical care, welfare, housing etc.

If you are too lazy to work, IOU free medical care, welfare, housing etc.

The only IOU California has failed to honor is the IOU all hard working law abiding tax paying legal residents of this state were issued.

IOU a fiscally responsible government, laws that are upheld, votes that count, in short a government of the people, by the people, for the people

Jerry Punt
Bakersfield

It is gratifying that Governor Schwarzenegger is finally standing behind his campaign promises and demanding that the Legislature finally fix the California budget mess. The budget measures defeated last night were another in a long line of stop-gap fixes that only push the fundamental problems off for another day. The reality is that California has spent far more than it takes in. It's time for our government to face reality and set to work substantially reducing spending. I hope the governor sticks to his guns and forces a real solution. It appears that he has a very unique opportunity to force the Legislature's hand, as this is his last term in office. Let's hope he doesn't waste it.

Brandon C Fernald
Los Angeles

Everyone needs to take a look in the mirror if they want to find the problem. Changing legislators rarely gets rid of the problem, because no matter who you pick it is still us. "Oh, you stiff-necked people" sorry, but I've been dying to use that. Change is difficult when ideologies run thinking instead of the person. I know you probably need a surgeon to separate the two, but the point is ideologies are rigid and inflexible. It takes human experience to temper that by reminding us that there are human consequences to our choices.