Sen. Dutton Named Vice Chair of Senate Budget

Sen. Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) has been named Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee by Sen. Republican Leader Dick Ackerman (R-Tustin) and Sen. Republican Leader-Elect Dave Cogdill (R-Fresno).

“Senator Dutton is a proven leader in the California State Legislature,” said Republican Leader-Elect Cogdill. “He knows the issues and takes a common sense approach that gives him the ability to work with both Republicans and Democrats. That’s exactly the type of leadership we need in dealing with the budget and I’m confident that Senator Dutton will do an outstanding job as the Vice Chair of this key committee.”

Senator Dutton echoed the comments of Leader-Elect Cogdill.

“I’m honored Republican Leader Ackerman and Republican Leader-Elect Cogdill has appointed me to this very important position,” Senator Dutton said. “I look forward to representing Senate Republicans during budget negotiations in what promises to be a very challenging year.”

Since the 2003-04 fiscal year revenues to the state have increased by almost $26 billion – from $74.8 billion to $100.6 billion for the 2008-09 fiscal year set to begin on July 1. Despite those increases in revenues, spending has outpaced revenues by billions each year and if the state fails to act California faces an $8 billion deficit.

“It’s clear to me, since I first came to Sacramento more than five years ago, that this state does not have a revenue problem, but has a spending problem,” Senator Dutton said. “I also don’t believe we can tax our way out of this problem as some have suggested.

“California generates enough money to provide high quality services,” said Senator Dutton. “I am confident we will meet this year’s budget challenge if we focus on spending those tax dollars more efficiently.”

One of the prime reasons Senator Dutton was selected Vice Chair of Budget is his ability to negotiate.

“I look forward to working with my Democrat colleagues to find permanent solutions to our budget problems,” Senator Dutton said.