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SACRAMENTO - Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, today issued the following statement in response to Governor Jerry Brown's State of the State address:
“Governor Brown claims that we have a budget surplus, but he must be using 'new math.' According to the governor we have a $220 billion off-budget liability in state and UC employee retirement and health care costs. He also cited a $77 billion deficit in the state's deferred maintenance and his expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility has swelled the rolls to 13.5 million Californians. It's not financially sustainable.
It's great he's using lower revenue projections in crafting his budget, putting money into the Rainy Day fund and has a desire to pay down 'some' debt. But, it's important we implement policies to help grow the economy so more people have good paying jobs. 97% of all businesses are under 50-employees and are the backbone of our economy; we're not doing enough to help these entrepreneurs.
Additionally, we need reforms to our K-12 system and more funding to higher education so our citizens have a pathway to a career, not just a job.
I appreciated the governor's “all of the above” approach to our drought. But, his record didn't match today's rhetoric. Sacramento needs a stronger commitment to the capture, storage and conveyance of water.
I agree with Governor Brown we need to move forward with courage and confidence and do the right things for California's hardworking families.”