Dutton Report: February 2008

Defining the Source of the Budget Problem

As soon as tomorrow, the Legislature is expected to take a vote on recommendations to begin dealing with the state’s budget crisis that now is a projected $14.5 billion deficit.

Some on the other side of the aisle have indicated that a solution to the problem is to “raise revenue” in addition to curtailing spending. The phrase “raise revenue” is code for “raising taxes” and is nothing I or any of my Republican colleagues believe is the answer to this problem.

First, we have to pinpoint the source of the problem. I have always believed it is a spending, not a revenue problem. Considering that revenues are expected to increase from $96 billion in the 2006-07 budget cycle to $103 billion – a $7 billion increase – for the 2008-09 budget, it’s crystal clear to me that the problem is not “raising revenue”.

Now consider that during that same period spending is projected to increase from $102 billion in 2006-07 to $111.4 billion in 2008-09 and you can clearly see that the problem is controlling our spending.

To me it’s just common sense that the State of California should do what we expect every hard working family in California to do - and that is to keep it’s spending in line with revenue.

To accomplish this goal I believe it’s important that the legislature be guided by the following principles:

First, we need to prioritize the various functions of government and decide what areas can be trimmed or eliminated.

Second, we need to focus on cutting fraud, waste and abuse in government. Remember, eliminating fraud, waste and abuse by just one percent will result in a savings of more than $1 billion annually to the general fund.

Third, the state should also look to contracting out many of the government services to the lowest bidder in an effort to save tax dollars.

The mid-year adjustments the Legislature will consider over the next several days will be the beginning of what promises to be a very challenging budget year. But I don’t believe that raising taxes to bring our revenues in line with our spending is the answer. Revenue is not and has never been the source of California’s budget problem.

Back to the top

'Unwelcome Intruders'?

In the last week the city of Berkeley has received national attention when its City Council voted to deem the U.S. Marines Recruiting office as “unwelcome intruders” in their city and asked them to leave.

Words can’t describe the feeling I had when I read this but some of the ones that can be printed included “disgust,” “outrage,” “disappointment,” and “disrespect.”

What is even more outrageous is when the council had the chance to rescind their actions after the national outcry, they thumbed their nose at “the few, the proud, the Marines” and every other California resident who supports our military with a second vote to deem the recruiting center as “unwelcome intruders” although they acknowledged they have no authority to ask them to leave.

I’ve always had a deep respect and admiration for those who have protected our country by serving in our military, especially the Marines who are usually the first in the line of fire during any conflict.

I understand that there are many people who don’t support the war and would like to see our troops come home. But to call the Marines “unwelcome intruders” is nothing less than disrespectful to anyone who has served this country in that uniform.

There is some movement both at the federal and state level to introduce legislation that would cut funding to the city of Berkeley because of their “anti military” stance. I am going to consider becoming a co-author on the state legislation to send a strong message to this “anti American” city that it’s just plain wrong to take a stance against these brave young men and women who serve our country so bravely by considering them “unwelcome intruders.”

While the city of Berkeley has decided the military isn’t welcome in their community, I want every member of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard to know that you are always welcome in my community. I’m proud of your service and this country and world is a safer place because of your service.

Back to the top

Mexican President Visits Capitol

Mexican President Felipe Calderon paid a visit to the State Capitol earlier this week and spoke to a joint session of the California Legislature as part of his visit.

He talked very generally about the issue of illegal immigration and other hot topics such as drug smuggling and gun running but offered no real ideas on how to deal with these issues that affect the lives of every California resident.

I had the opportunity prior to the visit of President Calderon to talk with the Mexican Ambassador and outlined to him some of my priorities. I made it clear that securing our borders should be a priority of both the Mexican and United State government.

I told the Ambassador that I believe that the same network that deals in human trafficking is the same network that is smuggling illegal drugs and weapons across our borders and onto our streets.

If the Mexican Ambassador and President Calderon want to stop illegal immigration as both indicated, then I believe a good place to start is the Mexican government not assisting those who cross our borders illegally. I informed the Mexican Ambassador during our talk that it is just wrong for the Mexican Consulate in Southern California to assist those living in this country illegally by teaching them how to avoid deportation.

Mexico and the United States should have a close working relationship and I’m in favor of developing programs that would allow immigrants to come to this country legally. It would also be in the best interest of both countries if President Calderon, along with other leaders of our neighbors to the south, would develop and expand job opportunities for the poor and working class of Mexico so they could achieve their dreams in their home country and not have to search for those dreams by illegally coming into this country.

Back to the top

Legislation Alert

Recently I introduced Senate Bill 1142 that addressed a portion of the California Vehicle Code. In legislative terms, this is called a spot bill – a placeholder bill for some future legislation. When language like this is introduced, it makes some minor tweaks to current code with potential major revisions at a later date.

When SB 1142 was introduced, some interpreted the minor tweaks to the vehicle code as an attempt to expand the use of cameras at red light intersections.

I want to assure everyone that I have no intention of authoring legislation that would allow cameras to detect speeders on the road and issue tickets to drivers.

My office has gotten many calls from residents and bloggers about their concern with SB 1142. I want to reassure everyone that this bill in its current form will not be referred to a committee for a hearing.

Back to the top

Quote of the Month

"Truth exists, only falsehood has to be invented."
- Georges Braque

Back to the top