A Responsible Budget To Get California Back On Track (DUH Alert)

Republicans have been the only party in Sacramento offering real solutions to our budget crisis to get Californians working again. While Democrats play political games, Republicans continue to show that we are prepared to give Californians the responsible budget solutions they deserve.

Senate and Assembly Republicans yesterday proposed an honest and realistic budget plan that will allow California to solve its current budget crisis and invest in the priorities of working families, while also addressing the structural budget problems looming on the horizon.

The Republican budget plan includes $22 billion in budget solutions – which is more than either the Governor or Legislative Democrats have proposed. It is a balanced approach, containing both budget savings and new revenue. But our plan gains new revenue without tax increases by asking the voters to redirect about $6.5 billion in tax revenue.

We believe our plan represents a true compromise. Most of the ideas for cuts are proposals from Governor Schwarzenegger, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office or Democrats themselves.

It targets nearly every area of government for savings. We target new and low priority programs we cannot afford. We also focus on the fastest-growing areas of government, like health and welfare programs. We believe it makes no sense that these programs continue to increase every year despite our growing deficit.

The Republican plan fully funds the Proposition 98 minimum guarantee to our schools. It also protects public safety and rejects the dangerous local law enforcement cuts and early release program included in the plans by the Governor and Democrats.

The Republican plan is the only one that focuses on solving our long term problems. It includes the strict spending limit we need to force the Legislature to live within its means and save for the future. We also demand accountability in how government officials are spending our hard-earned tax dollars. At the same time, we give local schools more freedom and flexibility, allowing them to put more dollars in the classroom.

Above all else, our plan makes economic recovery and jobs a top budget priority. We believe that taking steps to lower business costs and promote job creation is one of the most important things we can do to solve our budget problems and build a stronger California. Prioritizing job creation is a win-win for California as the more that companies can produce things, sell products, and hire workers, the more tax revenue the state receives and the less demand for social services.

We believe that the Republican budget plan is the right approach for taxpayers. We stand ready to work with our colleagues to get the job done.

DUH! Common sense in California is as rare as a hen's tooth. Especially where fiscal sanity is concerned.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

Republicans also believe that the Legislature should lead by example. That’s why our plan includes a 5 percent cut in the Legislature’s operating budget. If the people of California are being asked to sacrifice, then so should it’s elected officials.

There's an idea. On the National level, I vote that the salaries of Dodd, Frank, Schumer, Kerry, Clinton, etc. are reduced to $0.50.

Any politician who recommends releasing dangerous felons into society as a “solution” to monetary problems is an evil psychopath. They should be tried as accessories with any such early released felons who commit further crimes.

3 posted on 12/16/2008 11:03:31 AM PST by Seruzawa (If you agree with the French raise your hand. If you are French raise both hands.)

I just got my California car registration bill. The fee has gone up 20% since last year.

The issue that propelled AHNOLD into office is back, but California will have to declare bankruptcy before the chuckleheads in the coastal cities start getting desperate enough to elect Republicans to save their butts.

I’m digging in for a bad downhill ride.

We also focus on the fastest-growing areas of government, like health and welfare programs. We believe it makes no sense that these programs continue to increase every year despite our growing deficit.

No solution is possible without addressing this "sacred cow."

This one, and the "education Mafia" must be neutralized, and the sooner the better.

We can't afford the growing army of societal "pets,' no matter how well-intentioned.

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