Which of the following legislative actions could the California State Legislature use to cut spending in order to weather the recession?

Question

A.
pass a law that ends free public education
B.
pass a law that dismantles the federal minimum wage
C.
pass a law eliminating state-funded kindergarten programs
D.
pass a law stating that Californians no longer have to pay federal income taxes

Answer 1

To effectively cut spending in response to a recession, the California State Legislature would likely consider options that directly reduce state expenditures.

Among the options listed, the most relevant legislative action would be:

C. pass a law eliminating state-funded kindergarten programs

This would directly decrease state spending by eliminating a specific funded educational program.

The other options are less viable or do not pertain to state spending directly:

• A (ending free public education) is not practical or lawful, as public education is a fundamental right in California.
• B (dismantling the federal minimum wage) is outside the purview of state legislature actions, as minimum wage laws are federally regulated.
• D (eliminating federal income taxes) cannot be enacted by a state legislature, as federal taxes are governed by federal law.

Therefore, C is the most appropriate choice.