“Unfortunately, the Governor’s increased budget deficit was predictable,” said Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff.   “Senate Republicans have consistently raised concerns that last year’s majority vote budget relied on too many phony spending reductions, other irresponsible revenue assumptions, and gimmicks. As state revenues have been increasing, total spending has also increased by $20 billion since the 2007-08 state budget.”   

Republicans have stated their willingness to support the Governor’s pension and welfare-to-work reforms, and his requests for spending reductions, yet legislative Democrats continue to say ‘NO’ to these necessary solutions.  

“Despite an 11% unemployment rate, two million Californians out of work, and California being ranked the worse state in the nation to do business 8-years in a row, the Governor and Democrats have no proposals to help grow the economy or to help our  small business community,” added Huff.  “Republicans believe we must get people back to work, which in turn will responsibly increase our state tax revenues.”