Will Jerry Brown Raise California Taxes?

Los Angeles - Governor-elect Jerry Brown, behind closed doors earlier this week, told a group of legislators about his unique plan to give voters a big say in how to fix the state's budget crisis.

Sen. Robert Dutton, GOP Senate Leader
"The impression we were left with was that he would be putting something on the ballot in June. A tax increase. A tax increase option for the people to the extent that he can't get to a 20 billion dollar figure. yeah, I think he's prepared to put something on the ballot for taxpayers to consider."

Robert Dutton, Senate GOP leader, tells FOX 11 News that Brown in a private meeting Tuesday with Republican lawmakers was open about his plans - up to a point.

Robert Dutton, Senate Gop Leader
"He never used the T-word. He never used 'taxes.'"

During his campaign, Brown promised no new taxes unless they were approved by voters. Brown's staff refused to confirm or deny Dutton's account.

Meantime, a local Democrat on the senate's budget committee tells FOX 11 News fixing the state's giant deficit will require multiple approaches..

Sen. Alex Padilla, D-San Fernando Valley
"It's going to be a combination of 'Are there new revenues to pursue out there?' and 'What areas are to be cut?' You don't close a $26 billion deficit without some cuts, as painful as it may be."

We also have gotten word that Brown plans to bring his budget balancing show-and-tell program to Southern California in the very near future.