All sides continue to report progress in budget talks in
Sacramento. But don’t get too excited. Nothing they’ve said indicates that a
deal is close.

Here,
drawn from reporter’s experience, is a handy language guide for the real
meaning of politicians predicting when a budget will be done.

–   "A
deal could come within a few days" (which is what Democratic legislative
leaders predicted this weekend). TRANSLATION: "We don’t have a deal and we have
no idea when we’ll reach one."

–   "Tomorrow."
TRANSLATION: Within a few days.

–   "Could
be something later today." TRANSLATION: "There is real progress. Tomorrow."

–   "The
press conference is in at noon." TRANSLATION: "Call your wife and kids and tell
them you’ll be home late. We’ll announce a tentative deal this evening."