May 13, 2006 - California Chronicle - Revised Budget Reflects Democrats' Efforts and Californians' Priorities

Legislative Democrats declare victory in proposal to increase investment in education and pay down of state’s debts.

California Political Desk

May 13, 2006

SACRAMENTO – After years of protracted state budget battles, the revised $101 Billion budget released by the Governor today reflects the efforts of Democrats to fully fund California’s schools and begin repayment of some of the state’s longstanding debts.

Assembly Member Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego), who has been a vocal critic of the Governor’s cuts in education and health and human services, said she’s glad the Governor has come around to some of the priorities of ordinary Californians.

“While there’s still a lot to do to adequately invest in the state’s education system,” Saldaña said. “The decision to use some of the $5 billion windfall for education, along with the proposed bond measure to upgrade the state’s school facilities, is an encouraging sign that the priorities of Californians are being taken seriously.”

Saldaña said that another indication that the Governor has finally heeded the steady pressure of legislative Democrats is his retreat from cutting assistance for the state’s elderly and disabled populations.

“I think he got the message that the state’s budget should never be balanced on the backs of children, the elderly or the disabled,” she said.

Saldaña said she was encouraged by the overall tenor of budget discussions between the Governor and Legislature.

“There are still differences in the minutia of the budget, however both sides resolved earlier this year cooperate and focus on doing the people’s work,” Saldaña said. “It seems we are actually making progress toward an on-time budget that retains funding for programs important to Californians.”

The Governor’s revised spending proposal will now be considered separately by the budget committees of both the Senate and Assembly. The constitutional deadline for getting the budget bill to the Governor’s desk is June 15th.

California Chronicle
Revised Budget Reflects Democrats' Efforts and Californians' Priorities
Legislative Democrats declare victory in proposal to increase investment in education and pay down of state’s debts. California Political Desk May 13, 2006 SACRAMENTO – After years of protracted state budget battles, the revised $101 Billion budget released by the Governor today reflects the efforts of Democrats to fully fund California’s schools and begin repayment of some of the state’s longstanding debts. Assembly Member Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego), who has been a vocal critic of the Governor’s cuts in education and health and human services, said she’s glad the Governor has come around to some of the priorities of ordinary Californians. “While there’s still a lot to do to adequately invest in the state’s education system,” Saldaña said. “The decision to use some of the $5 billion windfall for education, along with the proposed bond measure to upgrade the state’s school facilities, is an encouraging sign that the priorities of Californians are being taken seriously.” Saldaña said that another indication that the Governor has finally heeded the steady pressure of legislative Democrats is his retreat from cutting assistance for the state’s elderly and disabled populations. “I think he got the message that the state’s budget should never be balanced on the backs of children, the elderly or the disabled,” she said. Saldaña said she was encouraged by the overall tenor of budget discussions between the Governor and Legislature. “There are still differences in the minutia of the budget, however both sides resolved earlier this year cooperate and focus on doing the people’s work,” Saldaña said. “It seems we are actually making progress toward an on-time budget that retains funding for programs important to Californians.” The Governor’s revised spending proposal will now be considered separately by the budget committees of both the Senate and Assembly. The constitutional deadline for getting the budget bill to the Governor’s desk is June 15th.