McClatchy Washington Bureau

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Saying California is "headed toward a financial Armageddon," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger blistered lawmakers on Wednesday as administration officials said the state's two-year budget hole has grown to about $40 billion.

With the economy reeling and revenues plummeting, previous projections of $11.2 billion in red ink during the current year have risen to $14.8 billion in the $100 billion general fund – and roughly $25 billion in 2009-10.

"When you have a crisis, the most important thing is to make a decision – and the worst thing is not to make a decision," Schwarzenegger said, urging the Legislature to move quickly.

Schwarzenegger accused lawmakers of "playing chicken" in negotiations, threatening to plunge state government into a financial abyss while gambling on who will blink.

"That's a very dangerous game," he said.

Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico announced separately Wednesday that he will push for an around-the-clock lockdown of the Assembly during Christmas week.

"That'll get it done," the Newark Democrat said of forcing lawmakers to stay inside the Capitol until they reach consensus, a tactic tried successfully in July 2003 by then-Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson during a budget standoff.

Read the complete story at sacbee.com