Assemblymember Ridley-Thomas today issued the following statement on the release of Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2015-2016:
“Governor Brown’s proposed state budget is a prudent spending plan that puts more than a decade of crippling state debt behind us. It anticipates continued growth in our state’s economy and an expanding private sector workforce in California; both of which could provide stability for state revenues. But at a time when many Californians are still searching for employment and hoping to land jobs, our state’s budget must reflect the importance of workforce development.
“The governor’s budget provides a fiscal framework for responsible infrastructure investments needed to fund repairs and maintenance of our state’s aging roads and highways. It looks ahead to our state’s future transportation needs by providing continued investment in California’s high speed rail system; a public works effort that has the strong potential for rail-oriented economic development and job creation in a substantial swath of our state. But our state needs to give added attention to the healthcare arena, and mental health services deserve our state’s fiscal consideration.
“Jerry Brown’s budget provides support for our schools and our state’s three-tiered post-secondary education system – UC, CSU and community colleges. His budget supports our teachers and professors while seeking to shield our state’s college students from bearing a disproportionate cost for their higher education.
“The governor’s budget is a good starting point for the range of budget priorities that will be considered and weighed by the Legislature in the coming weeks and months. Responsible stewardship of our state’s energy resources should not be lost in the upcoming budget debates.
“The governor’s budget is a good starting point for the range of budget priorities that will be considered and weighed by the Legislature in the coming weeks and months. Responsible stewardship of our state’s energy resources should not be lost in the upcoming budget debates.
“On Saturday, January 24, I will convene a gathering of 54th District community leaders and stakeholders for a California Budget Priorities Forum at Dorsey High School. The event will begin my process of soliciting comments and opinions on state budget priorities from residents of communities in Los Angeles and Culver City. The feedback I receive at my budget priorities forum will help inform my input during the Legislature’s budget subcommittee deliberations.”
Be the first to comment