Sacramento – Speaker Karen Bass today responded to the governor’s special session proclamation by saying the newly sworn-in legislature is up to the task of finding timely budget solutions, noting she hopes the governor would be helpful by getting to know new members of his party and convincing them to vote for a budget. Speaker Bass also announced a special joint meeting of the Assembly and Senate to receive an up to date briefing on the state’s fiscal situation from the Treasurer, the Controller and the Department of Finance.

Here are links to audio of Speaker Bass:

Speaker Bass says the Governor needs to work with his fellow Republicans to get the votes needed to pass a budget.

Speaker Bass says there will be a joint session of the Senate and Assembly so everyone can get the latest on the state’s financial crisis.

Speaker Bass says GOP lawmakers have not explained how they would fix the budget.

Speaker Bass says she is not asking the federal government to fix the state’s financial problems.

Speaker Bass says she’s hoping there’s a way to build on the Democrat’s proposal from last week’s lame duck session.