Californians aren't ready for the one-two budget punch

Up to 276 more construction projects also could be halted next week; 5,300 already have been.

That's because the state is horribly in debt, has already borrowed to the hilt and can't secure more loans -- or sell construction bonds -- until the governor and legislative leaders agree on a budget solution that can muster the necessary two-thirds legislative vote.

And when that happens -- and the state can begin corralling enough cash to resume paying creditors -- the other shoe will drop with a loud thud: Government services will fall precipitously and taxes will rise.

It's inevitable. And Californians haven't been prepared by their political leaders for the one-two punch. Sure, the public has a vague idea of what's coming, but too many people aren't certain it's necessary -- especially the tax hikes during a deep recession.

That's not just my view. It's also the observation of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's predecessor, the governor he ousted in the 2003 recall election: Gray Davis.

Since being dumped, Democrat Davis has been careful not to publicly criticize Schwarzenegger. In fact, he has often praised the Republican.

But on Tuesday, Davis told me: "People are going to get hit with major tax increases and program reductions and no one is preparing them. Part of leadership is not just doing the job, but explaining to the public why a certain action needs to be taken. Why it needs to happen and how long it will remain.

"You have to bring people along with you. President Obama is a master of selling the public on why his programs make sense -- in contrast to the deafening silence coming out of Sacramento."

The former governor speaks from experience. "I could have done more," he acknowledges.

Davis occasionally did try, but never could adequately explain the energy crisis -- generated by a flawed state deregulation law he inherited, power pirates such as Enron and an unfriendly Bush administration. Then, as the economy soured, he was dragged -- without enough resistance -- into a budget quagmire by a liberal Legislature. He made a half-hearted attempt at selling a tax hike, and flopped.

Schwarzenegger really hasn't tried at all, at least not until Wednesday while answering a question at a Sacramento Press Club luncheon.