The Legislature resumes its session this week after a monthlong summer recess,  giving the Democratic majority one last chance to persuade voters that a  statewide tax increase is needed and that lawmakers can be trusted to handle the  extra money wisely.

Revelations of hidden cash, raises for legislative  staff and the authorization for massively expensive public works projects while  lawmakers were away will make that task more difficult.

The budget  lawmakers passed in June relies on voters approving a November ballot initiative  to raise state sales and income taxes, but the recent developments have given  voters new reasons to be skeptical.

Investigators found that the state  parks department was hiding nearly $54 million in two special accounts even as  officials threatened to close 70 parks this summer because of budget cuts.
 

Read More