ASSEMBLYMEMBER KAREN BASS
47TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
For Immediate Release: May 14, 2008
Contact: Richard Stapler
Phone: (916) 319-2047

SACRAMENTO - After today’s release of the Governor’s revised budget proposal for 2008-09, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) called for a more balanced, thoughtful approach to balancing our state’s books.

“There are cuts in this budget proposal that unfairly hurt struggling California families and solutions that may be no more than risky schemes,” Speaker Bass said.

“I am happy to hear that the Governor realizes we need to bring in more revenue, that the budget deficit cannot be solved through cuts alone,” Speaker Bass said. “I do applaud the Governor for embracing the proposal for a tax commission that will study ways to bring our state’s revenue collection into the 21st century. I look forward to working with him. This current budget does not address long-term solutions and I think it’s important to do that.”

Speaker Bass continued: “It is important to look at the [securitization of the] lottery, but I do have tremendous concerns that it is a risky proposition to say that is the sole way we will look for new revenue.”

The Governor’s budget proposal lays out cuts to public transit, despite record-high gas prices. Said Speaker Bass: “Public transportation is up in many cities, including my own …and it is up precisely because of the price of gas. If people are feeling the pinch there, then we cut back on public transportation it seems like a double hit.”

Audio links of Speaker Bass talking about the Governor’s budget revision:

Speaker Karen Bass’ opening statement during the May revise Democratic response news conference. (4:48)

and here are some edited audio clips…

Speaker Karen Bass says the Governor’s revised budget hurts the most vulnerable Californians.

Speaker Karen Bass on the Governor’s proposal to cut IHSS funding.

Speaker Karen Bass says she is pleased the Governor acknowledged the need for more revenue.

Speaker Karen Bass says she’s concerned about the Governor’s lottery proposal.

Speaker Karen Bass says she was also pleased to have the Governor’s support for the budget commission.