California Democrats have split their votes on a package of budget-balancing measures on the May special election ballot.
They narrowly voted Sunday at their annual convention not to endorse the lynchpin measure, Proposition 1A, which would restrain future state spending and extend several tax increases.
But Democrats overwhelmingly backed a measure that guarantees billions in education funding, and another to let the state borrow about $5 billion from future lottery profits. They also supported limiting lawmakers' pay raises during tight budgets.
Delegates voted to stay neutral on Propositions 1D and 1E, which would shift millions of dollars from voter-approved programs for early childhood education and mental health funding.
The six measures in the May 19 election are part of a package negotiated by legislative leaders and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
