California's Balanced Budget — Alejo Reacts

Written by the Office of Luis Alejo:

Today the California State Legislature passed a balanced budget that eliminates the state’s structural deficit and improves the state’s credit rating.  The budget plan includes a reserve of over a billion dollars and repays schools approximately $2 billion for past Prop 98 deferrals.

“After years of tough budget votes, it feels good to vote for a budget that will advance our state further on the road to economic recovery,” said Assemblymember Luis Alejo (whose district includes Gilroy). “I applaud the work of Assembly Speaker John Pérez, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, and the Budget Conference Committee members for their hard work and dedication to the principles most important to working families.”

The State Assembly began budget negotiations by outlining a Blueprint for a Responsible Budget. The Blueprint included continuing fiscal responsibility, strengthening the middle class, and delivering effective and efficient services.

Included in this budget is the Middle Class Scholarship which makes college more affordable for middle class families. The budget plan also includes expanding health care to over 1 million Californians.

“This is a responsible and compassionate budget that better prepares our state from any devastating cuts in the future,” states Alejo.

The California Constitution requires the Budget be passed by midnight on June 15 of each year. The main Budget bill was passed by both the Assembly and Senate on Friday, and today they voted on the last of Budget’s trailer bills. The Budget bill and the Budget trailer bills will be sent to the Governor for consideration.