HAYWARD, CA -- This week, Governor Schwarzenegger released his 2008-2009 budget proposal and declared a fiscal emergency for California.  He has called the State Legislature into a special session, where legislators will have 45 days to submit a plan to deal with the immediate $3 billion deficit the state is facing this year.

“Given the proposed cuts in the Governor’s budget, I want to assure residents of the 18th Assembly District that the Legislature cares about and is mindful of what is important to working families in California,” said Assemblymember Hayashi. “Along with many other representatives across the state, I am very concerned that the budget does not reflect those needs and values in areas from public safety and healthcare, to the environment and education.  It is no small matter to consider that this budget would cut healthcare for the disabled and the elderly, and close 48 state parks and beaches.” 

“There is no doubt that we are in a tough situation that will call for difficult decisions, but we remain committed to solving the budget deficit as we have in the past, and to doing so with a strong regard to values and livelihood of the people we serve,” continued Assemblymember Hayashi. “Our state budget should represent our values, and we must persevere in finding solutions that will still protect working families and the most vulnerable of California’s communities.  It is important to remember that in addressing the budget, we cannot just cut programs; we have to fix larger problems like healthcare and the mortgage crisis because these are the issues that are having a huge impact on our state revenue and spending.”