Statement by Assemblymember Olsen on the Budget

SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember and Chief Republican Whip Kristin Olsen, R- Modesto, today issued the following statement on the California budget:

"The Democrats are calling this an austere budget, but it actually increases spending by 7% - over $5 Billion higher than last year.  Why would Californians vote to increase taxes, when the "austere" budget increases spending?  People in other states - and in our own communities - are utterly dismayed by the decisions made in California and by the majority party's upside-down priorities.  To become the envy of the nation again, we need leadership, we need long-term planning, and we need responsible state budgets that Californians deserve. Today's budget provides none of that.

In fact, the budget completely ignores the reforms desperately needed to get California back on track. As Californians, we long to be the Golden State again where families, businesses, and schools can thrive.  And we can get there again if we get serious about reforming public pensions, attracting jobs, investing in education, and stopping the Legislature's irresponsible spending practices.  Unfortunately, this budget leads us in the opposite direction."