SACRAMENTO – Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles) today said the values and priorities of Californians must be included in the final budget agreement between the California Legislature and the Governor.

The Speaker’s comments followed the Governor’s remarks on the need for additional spending cuts but no increased revenues to close the remaining $7 billion dollar state deficit.

“Democrats have a very different point of view than the Governor,” Speaker Fabian Núñez said. “I respect the Governor but I don’t share the same values he shares. I don’t think Californians can afford to cut back on public education the way the Governor wants to in his budget proposal.”

Here are links to audio of Speaker Núñez:

Speaker Núñez says the legislature has already taken action to reduce the deficit in 2008/09 by several billion dollars and its time for California voters to weigh in on the state’s spending priorities. (:55)

Speaker Núñez says its time to use a balanced approach to balancing the state budget. (1:27)

Speaker Núñez says Assembly Democrats are prepared to work hard to eliminate the state’s 2008/09 budget deficit. (:27)

Speaker Núñez says the Governor’s suggestion that the 2008/09 budget can be completed in a month is unreasonable. (1:06)

Speaker Núñez says resolving the state’s 2008/09 budget in a month is not realistic. (:23)