SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D–Hayward) announced that she is cautiously optimistic about the proposed 2007-08 state budget that was released today.

“The state budget proposal is a step in the right direction. There are many areas that I agree with and many fundamental differences that will need to be worked out in the coming months,” Assemblymember Hayashi said. “This is a brand new Legislature. I believe that if both sides work together then much can be accomplished.”

Hayashi mentioned that she supported the Governor’s proposal to fully fund Proposition 98, to provide increased funding for the state prison system and to provide a stable funding source for Proposition 32, the global warming bill. But she also voiced serious concerns about a $1.1 billion diversion from public transportation and another $500 million in cuts to the CalWorks program to help close the budget gap.

“I am especially concerned with the Governor’s proposal to cut benefits to children whose parents are participating in the CalWorks program. Democrats will not balance the budget on the backs of children. At a time when the Governor is proposing to expand healthcare benefits to children in California this makes no sense.”

“Today’s proposed budget is just the first step in the process. I look forward to working with my colleagues over the coming months to find a budget solution that will be beneficial to all Californians.”