In case you missed it: Democratic legislative leaders vowed today that the Legislature will pass a "share-the-pain" budget-balancing plan early next week -- with or without tax increases -- that will close the state's spending deficit without completely shredding California's social services safety net.

Their announcement came about an hour after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he wouldn't sign a plan balanced with tax increases.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is touting the findings of a new Public Policy Institute of California study as proof that California can raise taxes to balance its budget.