Ackerman Calls Budget Responsible but Not Perfect

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2007
CONTACT: Tom Collins @ (916) 651-4033

Today, the California Senate passed the 2007-08 budget.  Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman released the following statement:

“With assurances by the governor to use his veto power, this budget spends over $2 billion less than the Democrats’ proposal.

“Additionally, Senate Republican’s were successful in gaining frivolous lawsuit protection for billions of dollars approved for transportation and levee projects.  This budget fully funds education and law enforcement while paying down debt by more than $2.5 billion.

“This is a responsible budget but is not a perfect budget.  Even with the governor’s promise to veto hundreds of millions of dollars, California is facing a multi-billion dollar deficit next year.

“We need to start addressing next year’s problem today.  We must find solutions that will achieve a balanced budget without tax increases while protecting vital services like education, public safety and care for the elderly.”