SEIU California State Council – PRESS RELEASE

Statement of Annelle Grajeda, President, SEIU CA State Council

The Budget released last Thursday by the Assembly Budget Committee represents real progress.

It accomplishes two important things. First, it rejects the Governor’s extremist, cuts-only approach. Just as important, it rejects the Governor’s bid for sweeping new budget-cutting powers.

Relying on cuts alone to bridge the budget gap would be devastating to school children, seniors, people with disabilities, and families who rely on Medi-Cal for their healthcare. Ultimately, it would hurt all of us, because we need good public services and an infrastructure capable of sustaining a growing 21st century economy.

California’s massive budget problem is the result of not making the tough decisions for years. The 2/3 vote requirement to pass a budget has allowed a handful of legislators to hold up the budget, creating gridlock instead of real solutions.

With the state headed toward a cash crisis in August, however, everyone needs to come to the table to hammer out compromises and create lasting solutions that put our problems behind us.

The Assembly Budget addresses the tough decisions, avoids accounting gimmicks, and balances in the out years. We look forward to seeing the Senate's work to move the budget in the right direction, as well. 

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