I”m somewhat disappointed because there was really nothing there in the Governor”s speech that addressed specific ideas.
I expected to hear leadership from the Governor. I expected to hear new ideas. I expected to hear policy goals and policy statements. I wanted to hear the specific cuts the Governor is proposing to deal with our budget deficit. I wanted to hear the specific reforms we need in the budgeting process. This is what the people of California deserve to hear.
The budget problems facing California are fairly straightforward to address. Senate and Assembly Republicans have already identified $22 billion in cuts and other cost savings that will address the coming cash crunch, and these are reforms that do not jeopardize public safety, education nor health and welfare programs.
Democrats and Republicans in the Senate do agree on some reform issues. We”ve already adopted nearly $10 billion worth of cuts in the Senate, but the Majority Party refused to move that bill to the Assembly where it could be acted on. It never did reach the Governor”s desk, and I find that frustrating. These are cuts that both sides have already agreed too ? and would ensure that the State of California does not run out of cash next month.
Senate and Assembly Republicans remain committed to working with our counterparts on the other side of the aisle and the Governor to solve the budget problem facing California. But there are no votes in either Republican caucus for any tax or fee hikes until permanent cuts and budget reforms are adopted by both houses of the State Legislature and signed by the Governor.
Senator Sam Aanestad
Grass Valley
