SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today after the Legislature’s passage of the 2021-22 state budget bill:
“California’s economy is coming roaring back. With the largest surplus in California history, we’re using this once-in-a-generation opportunity to create an economic recovery that will leave nobody behind – with money going directly back to Californians, the nation’s largest small business relief programs, and unprecedented investments to address California’s most persistent challenges such as homelessness, climate change and equity in our education system.
“And while we proudly embrace the California Comeback, this last year reminds us that we need to plan for the unexpected. We must maintain a strong fiscal foundation that does not overcommit the state to long-term spending it cannot afford, which could lead to future cuts.
“I’m grateful for the Legislature’s partnership and am confident we will reach a budget agreement that reflects our shared values and keeps California on a sustainable path of recovery and growth. I look forward to working with legislative leaders to reach an agreement that will address California’s longstanding challenges to give every Californian family – regardless of their race or zip code – the opportunity to thrive.”
Editors Notes
Statements from Legislators:
Sen. Nielsen Reacts to Passage of the Budget Act: ‘This is a Fake Budget’
SACRAMENTO – Senator Jim Nielsen, R-Red Bluff, today issued the following statement on the passage of the Democrats’ Budget Act of 2021:
This is a fake budget and the Democrat-controlled budget process, with no public input or transparency, is a sham.
Over the years, there have been a number of challenging budget bills with deficits. This year, California has a substantial surplus. The temptation is to spend it and that’s exactly what the Democrats are doing.
The Democrats’ irresponsible budget is funding long-term spending using short-term dollars, which might further burden future budgets and get the state, as it has before, into financial trouble.
Following the Budget Act will be dozens of so-called budget trailer bills. Many will contain major policy provisions that will circumvent the normal deliberative legislative process.
Today, I argued for caution and a ‘No’ vote
Assemblyman Vince Fong Criticizes New California Budget
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Kern County) was strongly critical of the 2020-21 State Budget, which passed out of the State Legislature today for the Governor’s signature:
“Passing a budget that includes a $9 billion tax increase on struggling businesses and medical research for COVID-19 is simply tone-deaf,” Fong said. “This is the worst possible time to burden businesses that are struggling to reopen and hire new workers.
Fong has already called for a halt to spending on the controversial high speed rail project and took exception to more HSR funding in the budget.
“Making matters worse, Sacramento Democrats are rubbing salt into the wounds of California taxpayers by funding the mismanaged and costly High Speed Rail project even during a time of budget crisis,” the assemblyman said. We should halt all new taxes and regulations in order to get back on track as quickly as possible for the millions of Californians who are struggling to find work.”
Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez’s Statement on the 2021-22 State Budget
SACRAMENTO – (Monday, June 14, 2020) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) released the following statement today after the Legislature passed its 2021-22 State Budget:
“As we’re coming out of this pandemic and building back our economy, I’m proud to vote for a budget that makes historic investments to ensure we lead a just and equitable recovery for all Californians,” Assemblywoman Gonzalez said. “This budget prioritizes funds to tackle the growing diaper need across the state, including finally making all diapers tax-free, and offers real solutions to Californians who have struggled accessing their unemployment benefits. We’ve prevented cuts to critical public services, including In-Home Supportive Services and paid family leave, and made overdue investments in childcare programs and Medi-Cal to cover our most vulnerable seniors, regardless of immigration status.”
Senator Leyva Applauds Child Care Funding in State Budget
SACRAMENTO – Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) today released the following statement after the California State Senate passed the 2021-2022 state budget ahead of the constitutional deadline:
“As Chair of the Senate Education Committee and Chair Emeritus of the Legislative Women’s Caucus—and a vocal and determined advocate for increasing funding for child care—I am thrilled by the inclusion of over $2 billion in one-time and ongoing funds for child care reimbursement rate reform, as proposed in Senate Bill 246 (Leyva). This investment in our child care workforce is critical to ensure that parents are able to get back to work, which will in turn help solidify the economic recovery of both the state and California families. This funding for child care will certainly help women—and particularly women of color—as many care providers worked throughout the pandemic earning less than the minimum wage and even less than they would have on unemployment. We must right this wrong and pay child care providers a fair and living wage for the important work they do with our young children. As I have noted many times before, it is vital that we invest in child care providers since, without quality and affordable child care, there will be no lasting recovery as parents—and particularly working moms—will not be able to work. This investment will help working families in every community across the 20th State Senate District and California.”
“I have fought for reimbursement rate reform for three years and I believe that—with the Legislature prioritizing this issue in this budget—now is the time to come together to make lasting and substantial change to the child care industry for the benefit of children, women, families, businesses and our economy.”
