SACRAMENTO -- Assemblymember Anna M. Caballero (D-28) today issued the following statement regarding Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed May Revision to the FY 2007-08 state budget:

“This budget has good news and bad news.” 

“The good news is that it does a pretty good job of getting transportation bond money to local agencies, so that we can get going on much-needed repairs to our local streets and roads.

“It also provides more funding for career technical education.  This makes a lot of sense.  We have talented young people who can help meet the needs of our California businesses, if we just give them the training they need.”

“But I do question making cuts that undermine your own policy goals.  I’ve been in the position of making tough budget decisions when you just don’t have enough money to cover all your priorities.  I don’t want the state to spend more money than it takes in.” 

“But cutting $1.3 billion in public transit funding will undermine local efforts to encourage people to take public transit instead of driving their own cars.  I’ve heard from all the transportation agencies in the 28th District, and I know that this funding is critical to their work.”

“Eliminating the Williamson Act program saves the General Fund $40 million, but will encourage sprawl, and generate more traffic and more pollution.” 

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions has been a top priority for the governor.  But these cuts will undermine that goal.” 

“I’ll be working with the members of the Budget Committee to restore funding in areas critical to our district.”