California State Assembly Democratic Caucus

QUOTABLE DEMS

"To those people... to the people of the great state of California... I want to close by saying this: We know the struggles you are having. And we will step up and do the right thing to help ease those burdens. We also know your sense of hope and optimism– displayed most prominently in this historic election. And we will build on that optimism and make sure your hope has a solid foundation in reality."

- Speaker Karen Bass, from her remarks to the Newly Sworn-in Assemblymembers on December 1, 2008.

CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

Democratic Economic Recovery Plan Sent to Governor
“The measures, if signed would prevent school districts from going bankrupt, ensure small businesses get paid and keep tax payers from getting IOUs for their refunds,” Bass said. “These measures would prevent what the governor has called ‘fiscal Armageddon."

Assembly Democrats Urge Governor Schwarzenegger to Sign Budget Solutions
“The economic stimulus package Assembly and Senate Democrats passed yesterday, along with our $18 billion in cuts and revenues to address the state’s cash crisis and bring down the budget deficit, is a strong package for Californians and is much closer to what the governor asked for than he himself may realize."

Bass, Steinberg and Schwarzenegger Name Commission on the 21st Century Economy
Speaker Bass: “While the legislature and governor are working to find solutions to the immediate budget deficit, this commission will be developing important recommendations that can help provide long term stability for the vital services Californians depend on.”

Speaker Bass: Harsh Fiscal Reality Calls for Real Cuts and New Revenues
The objective information we received today makes it clear: California’s fiscal situation is severe, it’s directly tied to the national recession and it will take both cuts and revenues to solve the problem. I am hopeful today’s presentations from the Treasurer, Controller, Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst will provide important tools for the legislature to use in moving forward toward a bipartisan solution.

Assemblymember Hector De La Torre to Chair Accountability and Administrative Review Committee
“This committee is going to look at how the people’s government is managed day to day and hopefully find some savings for taxpayers,” De La Torre said. “We’re also going to be looking at effectiveness and making sure state operations are performing at 21st century levels."

Speaker Karen Bass: The clock is ticking---We need to use our time to solve problems
As the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst notes, while anything we do regarding the deficit has economic consequences, the consequences of doing nothing --or not doing enough-- are even worse. And remember the Analyst has made it very clear-- the sooner we act the smaller the problem.

Speaker Bass on Budget, Special Session
Speaker Karen Bass today responded to the governor’s special session proclamation by saying the newly sworn-in legislature is up to the task of finding timely budget solutions, noting she hopes the governor would be helpful by getting to know new members of his party and convincing them to vote for a budget.