SACRAMENTO - For only the second time in two decades, the California Legislature has passed a state budget on time. Passage of the budget today is thanks to a proposition approved by voters last year. That new law allows a budget to be passed by a simple majority vote and docks the pay of California's legislators for every day the budget is late. Today's budget was passed without a single Republican yes vote.
The budget package is a combination of cuts, taxes and accounting maneuvers including the sale/leaseback of several state buildings. Online retailers will now be required to collect sales taxes even if they are not based in California. Homeowners in fire-prone zones will have new fees imposed on them. Local sales taxes will be raised by .25 percent. The vehicle registration fee will be raised by $12. The budget also cuts the state's court system by $150 million and higher education by $300 million.
Governor Jerry Brown has 12 days to sign or veto the plan. His signature is not guaranteed as he has expressed concern in the past about the type of accounting maneuvers this budget contains. He has said he will continue to try to work with Republicans to get a budget
On Wednesday, Assemblyman Brian Nestande, R-Palm Desert, had released the following statement:
"Last month, Republicans unveiled a no tax increase budget that fully funded education and local law enforcement," said Nestande. "Just yesterday, the state controller announced that state revenues were $400 million higher than anticipated in May. We remain united against the Democrat's $58 billion tax increase."
"As our economy struggles to recover from the great recession, the state should work to help create jobs that will increase revenue for the state without raising taxes," said Nestande. "We stand ready to work with our counterparts to create a common sense budget that protects education and law enforcement without raising taxes."
Today, Nestande released a statement in response to the Democrat-only approved budget:
"While we were successful in holding the line against a $58 billion tax increase, the majority vote budget passed today by my Democrat colleagues makes little progress in solving our long-term budget problems and increases costs for all Californians," said Nestande. "The Assembly Republican Roadmap released last month provided a no tax budget solution that would get our state and economy back on track. The Legislature should be passing reforms to create a business friendly environment. By growing our economy, we will increase revenue to the state."
Nestande represents the Coachella Valley, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore and Hemet.
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