I have never professed to be an expert on the state budget and luckily I don’t have to be, Senator Abel Maldonado, has released some interesting commentary on the budget deal.
From Senator Abel Maldonado (released Tuesday):
"When deciding to vote for this budget I asked myself, does this budget move California forward or back? The answer is simple: it moves California backward.
"This budget spends $9.9 billion that hardworking taxpayers unexpectedly sent us in a good year and spends another $7 billion we do not have. This budget puts less than two-percent away for a rainy day. The fact of the matter is, after we leave tonight we’re still saddled with a $4.6 billion deficit next year.
"I campaigned with Gov. Schwarzenegger and let me share something with you. He said politicians in Sacramento have an addiction to spending. He said they need an intervention. The Governor was right, this place is addicted to spending.
"I am not saying this budget is taking us to bankruptcy, but it does not move California closer to fiscal responsibility."
June 28th, 2006 at 12:00 am
For once, Maldonado actually has something sensible and non-socialist to say. Props.