A Contra Costa Times editorial argues that most state budget analyses lack an understanding that "California is broke." The editorial notes that policymakers "could raise taxes, cut loopholes, tax Big Oil, slash welfare, cut pensions" or "lay off state workers," but the "truth is, it doesn't matter how many ways the governor and Legislature readjust the mirrors and redirect the smoke: The money is not there." It concludes that "the sooner we have an honest discussion to set our priorities, the sooner we can get a grip on our state budget."