Sacramento – Senator Bill Emmerson (R – Hemet) issued the following statement after today’s Senate Budget Committee hearing calling for the implementation of meaningful structural budget reforms:

“Republicans have already provided a pathway to get California back on track, but the public employee unions, who control legislative Democrats, would not allow the people to vote on a spending cap to rein in state spending and permanent pension reform to control costs and end abuse.

“The fact that Democrats would choose to play partisan politics rather than allowing Californians the right to vote on these structural reforms proves they aren’t serious about fixing California.  These reforms are key to putting our fiscal house in order, our constituents – of both parties – deserves nothing less.

“For instance, the Governor’s budget reduced funding for the University of California by $500 million, but then the legislature turned around and approved an additional pay increase for public union employees.  This proves their true loyalty is to politics and defending the status quo. Putting the special interests, who fund their elections, before the needs of our students is simply irresponsible.

“Democrats did not even adopt all of the cuts proposed by the Governor, but instead chose to enact one-time solutions and phony cuts.  It’s time for real solutions and an honest budget.

“I hope my colleagues see the value in the Republican solutions offered and will give Californians the right to vote on a spending cap and pension reform.

“I’m committed to pursuing these reforms that will fix California and put people back to work.”

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