(Sacramento) – Speaking with reporters at the State Capitol this morning Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) responded to the Governor’s call for a special session of the legislature and his outline of proposals to deal with the state’s growing financial problems. The Speaker pointed out that deep and numerous spending cuts have been made over the past three years and its time for serious consideration of revenue options. She said additional cuts to the state’s safety net would be devastating and could result in increased homelessness and crime. Speaker Bass also made it clear that it’s the Governor’s responsibility to secure Republican votes for the needed revenue. The Speaker also talked about the need for a federal economic stimulus package and mortgage reform as vital components of a recovery plan.

In addition Speaker Bass said the state will be benefit from the newly created Commission on the 21st Century Economy, which will review the state’s outdated revenue system and make recommendations to the legislature and governor for reform.

An organizational floor session of the State Assembly was held this morning to begin work on the various budget and mortgage reform proposals. Budget Committee hearings and additional floor sessions are expected in the coming days.

Video

Speaker Bass on Special Session, States Budget Crisis 1

Speaker Bass on Special Session, States Budget Crisis 2

Speaker Bass on Special Session, States Budget Crisis 3

Here are links to audio of Speaker Bass:

• Speaker Bass says it’s very clear that revenue increases are needed to fix the state’s financial problems.
• Speaker Bass says it’s up the Governor to deliver the needed Republican votes to pass revenue related legislation.
• Speaker Bass says a federal economic stimulus package is a vital component of a recovery plan.
• Speaker Bass says additional cuts to the state’s safety net programs would be devastating.
• Speaker Bass says believes furloughing state employees will push many Californians closer to losing their homes.
• Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), who led the efforts to reform the mortgage system, said he’s pleased the Governor is reconsidering his vetoes of mortgage reform legislation passed earlier this year by the Assembly.