California lawmakers are expected to vote later today on a budget proposal, though neither Democrats nor Republicans expect the measure to pass.

State government is now 48 days past the start of the new budget year- but still no budget. If it occurs, today’s session will mark the first time either house has even voted on a 2008-2009 budget bill.

Democrats oppose spending cuts and Republicans oppose new taxes – which is why California is neck-deep in debt. For this fiscal year, the shortfall between revenue and spending is estimated at $15.2 billion.

This is, in equal parts, frustrating, embarrassing, disheartening and costly. California can’t begin to solve its problems so long as state government can’t get out of its own way. For today’s column on the state Legislature as comic relief, click here.