SACRAMENTO – Today, Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher and Assembly Budget Committee Vice Chair Heath Flora responded to Gov. Newsom’s budget “preview,” calling for real action to improve the lives of Californians.
“Newsom is doubling down on the same failed programs that stuck Californians with record homelessness, soaring energy and housing costs, and one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. The only new thing in this budget is a giveaway to the governor’s Hollywood donors and even higher taxes on small businesses,” said Gallagher. “Californians were clear in the last election – they want lower prices, safer streets and a government that works for them. This budget doesn’t even come close to getting that done.”
“The governor can say whatever he wants, but fancy words don’t change the reality Californians see every day. It’s time to put ideology and ambition aside and do what’s right for the people of our state,” said Flora. “The problems facing Californians have come to a head under Gov. Newsom – he needs to show he’s serious about turning things around.”
Budget Fast Facts:
- Newsom’s budget is only balanced with $7.1 billion pulled from the rainy day fund.
- The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office is expecting deficits of $20 billion – $30 billion for three straight years starting in 2026.
- This plan will grow general fund spending by $17.4 billion from this year’s levels.
- Last year’s budget promised to eliminate 10,000 vacant state jobs and reduce spending by $4.9 billion by operating more efficiently. Now Newsom is backpedaling from that promise – only cutting 6,500 positions and falling short on operational efficiency savings by $1.4 billion.
- There is no additional funding for drug treatment programs that will be necessary thanks to the passage of Proposition 36.
###