“So they finally finished the budget deal,” said Cal, looking up from his computer as he followed John Myers’ twitter reports. “Let’s get breakfast.”

“First, tell me what I have to pay in taxes,” grumbled Grady. “Way too much, I’m sure.”

Marie said, “Yeah, there’s taxes, but there’s a spending limit too.”

“Only if the voters approve it in the special election,” said Cal.

“Well, at least taxes weren’t as high as they could have been. Instead of raising new taxes, they took money from the revenue in old initiatives for mental health and children’s services,” said Marie.

“Only if the voters approve it in the special election,” said Cal.

“And, the legislators don’t get a raise if the budget is in deficit, that’s a good thing,” said Marie.

“Once again, only if the voters approve it in the special election,” said Cal.

“Okay, okay. But the open primary is a good government change,” said Marie. “That was part of the deal.”

“Yes, but,” Cal began and Marie joined in, “Only if the voters approve it in the special election.”

“Well, at least we got a part time legislature out of the deal,” Grady said.

Cal looked at him surprised. “No, a part time legislature was not part of the deal.”

“Sure it was,” said Grady. “The voters are making all the decisions on taxes, spending limits, moving around money, open primaries. If the voters are doing all the work, then the legislators must only be working part time!”