SACRAMENTO—Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles) and other Democratic leaders today pledged to reshape Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's budget to reflect the values of Californians.

“The budget proposed today is what a cuts only budget looks like and the proponents of a cuts only approach need to own it,” Speaker Núñez said. “This budget isn’t going for an up or down vote today. Clearly if passed as written, it would cause a lot of permanent harm.”

Specifically, the Governor’s proposal:

• Drastically cut funds for public schools and universities, healthcare, services for the poor, and law enforcement;
• Proposes across the board permanent cuts to services;
• Targets cuts on children, the poor, the elderly, and the middle class;
• Results in the closure of 48 state parks and beaches.
• Proposes drastic cuts to special education, class size reduction, and career technical education;
• Requires giving back hundreds of millions of dollars to the federal government that we can’t match, particularly for healthcare; and
• Results in tens of thousands of inmates being released early from prison.

Even with the Governor’s permanent cuts, the Administration still estimates that our out-year operating deficit will be close to $3 billion.

“It’s time for creative thinking and courageous action,” Speaker Núñez said. “This budget isn’t particularly creative or courageous. But if we have the will, and we stand up for California values then the ultimate budget solutions we come up with can be.”

The satellite coordinates for today’s press conference with Núñez and other legislative leaders are: C-Band, Galaxy 26, Transponder 9, Downlink 3880 MHz (vertical) Audio 6.2/6.8. Our feed will include sound bites in English and Spanish and b-roll from the news conference. The satellite feed will run from 3:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. today.

In addition, the California Channel will broadcast and webcast a taped Democratic response immediately after the entire budget presentation. The California Channel’s website is http://www.calchannel.com for webcast and cable carriage information. The California Channel’s signal is free and clear. Any media wishing to take this signal should font a “Provided Courtesy of the California Channel.” The downlink parameters for the California Channel’s satellite location are: Galaxy 15 Transponder 3C, Downlink Freq (L-Band) 1405 Mhz, Polarization Horizontal, FEC Rate 1/2, Symbol Rate, 3.0000, Audio 1 - L&R, Orbital Location 133 degrees. Please note that The California Channel's transmission is in a MPEG II digital format, and a Scientific Atlanta PowerVu compatible receiver will be needed for analog or digital conversion.

Here are links to audio of Speaker Fabian Núñez:

Speaker Fabian Núñez says the Governor’s proposed budget does not reflect the values of Californians.

Speaker Fabian Núñez says if the Governor’s proposed budget was passed “as is” it would hurt California and Californians.

Speaker Fabian Núñez says the Assembly will be cutting its budget by ten percent.

Speaker Fabian Núñez says all options must be on the table to solve the state’s fiscal crisis.

Speaker Fabian Núñez’s entire opening statement at the Democratic Response news conference.