I believe government transparency is essential to an effective, representative democracy. The public should have a chance to review legislation and contact representatives before measures are voted on in Sacramento.

Each year, the Legislature’s most important work is to develop the state budget. However the final budget is usually written quickly and rushed through the legislative process limiting the public’s and the Legislature’s ability to read and understand what is being voting on.

This hasty budget process allows little time for scrutiny or analysis of a document that spends more than $100 billion. We should open this process and offer people the opportunity to fully understand the budget that impacts all Californians.

I have introduced a measure to improve transparency and trust in state government. Senate Constitutional Amendment 3 will require that the state budget and any bills necessary to implement the budget are in print and available for public view for twenty-one days before a vote can occur.

Click here for more information about SCA 3.