Brown Pushes Budget Plan Calls for Bipartisan Union to Bring Budget to Voters

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Below are highlights of the Governor’s address, followed by excerpts from the Republican response.

"Although our state’s economy has started to recover, we will not create the jobs we need unless we get our financial house in order...

"If you are a Democrat who doesn’t want to make budget reductions in programs you fought for and deeply believe in, I understand that. If you are a Republican who has taken a stand against taxes, I understand where you are coming from.

"But things are different this time...

"Under our form of government, it would be unconscionable to tell the electors of this state that they have no right to decide whether it is better to extend current tax statutes another five years or chop another $12 billion out of schools, public safety, our universities and our system of caring for the most vulnerable...

"I believe it would be irresponsible for us to exclude the people from this process. They have a right to vote on this plan.

"In recent days, a lot has been made of the proposed elimination of redevelopment agencies. Mayors from cities both large and small have come to the Capitol and pressed their case that redevelopment is different from child care, university funding or grants to the aged, disabled and blind.

"They base their case on the claim that redevelopment funds leverage other funds and create jobs. I certainly understand this because I saw redevelopment first hand as mayor of Oakland. But I also understand that redevelopment funds come directly from local property taxes that would otherwise pay for schools and core city and county services such as police and fire protection and care for the most vulnerable people in our society.

"So it is a matter of hard choices and I come down on the side of those who believe that core functions of government must be funded first. But be clear, my plan protects current projects and supports all bonded indebtedness of the redevelopment agencies...

"But let’s not forget that Job Number 1—make no mistake about it—is fixing our state budget and getting our spending in line with our revenue. Once we do that, the rest will be easy—at least easier because we will have learned to work together and earned back the respect and trust of the people we serve."

Republican Response
 
Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway (Tulare):

"Assembly Republicans stand ready to work with the Governor and the majority party to achieve our common goal—getting California back on track.

"We share the Governor’s goal of passing an honest and on-time budget. It is our hope that Governor Brown focuses on cutting spending and on long-term reform.

"We need to break away from the failed status quo. That means rejecting higher taxes, attacking wasteful spending, and doing away with the policies and programs that got us into this mess in the first place...

"The people have made it clear: they don’t want to pay higher taxes. Voters have rejected every tax increase on the last two statewide ballots. It’s time for Sacramento to finally listen to the people.

"Republicans stand united as the only line of defense for California taxpayers. We believe the best solution to help close our deficit is not by raising taxes, but by creating private sector jobs. That is done by lifting regulations and by reducing frivolous lawsuits."

California Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Allan Zaremberg stated:

"We share the Governor’s priorities of solving the state’s budget crisis and improving our economy. We look forward to working with Governor Brown and the Legislature to achieve these important goals for our state."