(SACRAMENTO, CA) The following is a statement released by Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, on the Governor’s 2008-2009 budget proposals.

“Professor Schwarzenegger needs a refresher course on California values.  His budget reflects the values of the extreme right wing, not the majority of Californians.  If implemented, the Governor’s proposals would unravel the pillars of our good life in California. 

In the name of fiscal discipline, the Governor wants to gut public education, safety nets for the poor, public safety, and environmental protection.  But he’s also proposing billions in additional bonds.  The repayment of existing bonds has contributed greatly to our current budget crisis.  So, rather than leading us out of a financial hole, the Governor is grabbing a shovel to dig us in deeper.

The Governor should focus on solutions that appeal to Californians, not his Republican colleagues in the Legislature who want us to cut our way out of this budget crisis.  Cutting our way out of this budget crisis means we will not invest enough in our state and our children’s future.  I have a hard time believing the public will allow the Governor to lead us this oblivion.  We need to reform how the Legislature passes budgets so that the Republican fringe cannot continue hold our state budget hostage to their ideology at odds with most Californians. 

We can’t ignore the links between what the state is able to pay out and the revenues coming in.  Californians need and deserve real solutions that don’t burden ordinary, working Californians.  The only way to find them is if all options are on the negotiating table.”