Reactions To Brown's Inauguration, State Of The State Speech

Assemblyman Jim Patterson’s Statement on Governor Brown’s State of State Remarks
 
Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) made the following statement after Governor Jerry Brown’s State of the State address.
 
“Today Governor Brown tried to paint a rosy picture of our economy by touting a 7.1 percent unemployment rate in California and our many “far-reaching” environmental laws. What he didn’t say is that we have one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation and are about to break ground on a rail project that we expect to break the bank.
 
“Instead of supporting policies that will help grow our economy he has created a cost of living that many Californians can’t afford. His proposed double-down on cap and trade will squeeze more money out of energy producers and our wallets. All this to fuel risky projects like high speed rail that offer no real promise of cleaning up our environment.
 
“We cannot continue to ignore the financial impacts of Governor Brown’s pet projects on hard-working people. We know gas prices are on the rise - at least 10 cents a gallon at some stations in the Central Valley and the Los Angeles area so far. Gas distributors are telling us that we’ve yet to feel the full impact of the cost jump, but will in the coming weeks as they pass the costs along to us from cap and trade allowances.
 
“We are going to pay for the foolishness of the kinds of policies that this Governor and legislature has put into place for a long time to come. Unfortunately what we heard from him today is just more of the same.”
 
Assemblyman Patterson introduced Assembly Bill 23, the Affordable Gas for California Families Act, to remove transportation fuels, including natural gas, from the cap and trade program to eliminate the gas tax once and for all.

Assemblymember Jim Cooper Issues Response to the Governor’s Inaugural Address
 
Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) released the following statement this morning following Governor Jerry Brown’s 2015 Inaugural Address to the Legislature:
 
“With our economy continuing to grow, I was pleased to hear the Governor’s commitment to rebuilding our education system through his proposal to increase education funding by 39 percent. I look forward to working with Governor Brown on ensuring that the Local Control Funding Formula accomplishes its goals, addressing the challenges of teacher recruitment and retention, and the implementation of California’s new Common Core standards. California has one of the lowest per pupil education funding rates in the nation and our kids deserve access to the best education. Their success is essential to the future prosperity of our state.
 
I was also encouraged by the Governor’s pledge to tackle the unfunded pension liability issue we now face and his intention of working with public employees on resolving this crisis through the prepayment of retiree health care obligations. I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to ensure that these reforms are well-thought-out and I will be closely analyzing the details of his proposal.
 
Lastly, much of my law enforcement career was spent overseeing the health, welfare, and rehabilitation of our incarcerated population. Because of my experience, I will continue to support our Realignment Program but will seek more funding – funding that is desperately needed for programs that actually reduce recidivism rates. I am encouraged that the Governor will be seeking effective ways to deal with crime and am hopeful that it will also include our many existing realignment and support programs that have successfully helped people change their lives, decreased our inmate population, and made our communities safer.”

Ting Comments on State of the State Address

Assemblymember Phil Ting (D–San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation, issued the following statement in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s State of the State address.
 
“Years of prudent budgeting, voter-approved tax increases, and an improving economy have given our state unprecedented financial stability.  This frees us to look boldly to the horizon and create a state with more opportunity and equality.  We must ensure that Californians receive the education they need to prosper within an economy more in synch with our planet.  Governor Brown outlined exciting initiatives for higher education, infrastructure investment, and clean energy.  But we cannot responsibly invest in these goals without first securing stable revenues for the state.  With Proposition 30 revenues phasing out in two years, tax reform is vital.  We have a 21st economy and it's time our tax laws reflect that reality.”

Senator Leyva Responds to Governor’s Inaugural / State of the State Address

Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) issued the statement below following Governor Jerry Brown’s Inaugural / State of the State Address to a joint session of the California State Legislature this morning:

“As California’s economy and local communities continue to recover from the devastating impacts of the Great Recession, I am encouraged and excited by Governor Brown’s ongoing commitment to help working families in the 20th State Senate District and the entire Golden State.  I applaud the Governor’s clear focus on tackling the many tough issues still facing California—budget, economy, education, water, environment / renewable energy, health care, long-term liabilities, infrastructure and many other ongoing priorities.  Though there is no doubt that California’s economy is improving and moving in the right direction, I fully believe that we must build upon that ongoing economic recovery so that all Californians have good, quality jobs with robust wages and are actually able to sustain their families.  I also thank the Governor for noting the importance of keeping California’s higher education system affordable and accessible for students.”

“As we begin the 2015-2016 legislative session, I look forward to working with Governor Brown, Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins and my other legislative colleagues to continue moving California forward.

There is no doubt that Inland Empire families and communities are still struggling, so I am eager to continue working on behalf of my hardworking constituents in the region and throughout the state so that all Californians may achieve the American Dream.”