COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:Governor’s budget is a start but not a fix

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday announced his revised budget proposal for the 2007-08 budget year. While there are certainly things for Republicans to like in his updated proposal, it is disappointing to see that the governor has proposed to increase General Fund spending by $750 million from his original plan outlined in January, thus growing government by more than $1.5 billion over last year. For these reasons, among others, my colleagues and I must exercise caution when moving forward with this proposal.

It concerns me, for example, that this year’s budget increases spending over last year, even while revenues are down $200 million from what was projected in January. This budget uses one-time revenue as a short-term solution but fails to address the structural deficit. It is because of this annual use of stopgap fixes that this state is in a financial life raft that is sinking deeper into the red.

I credit the governor for resisting the call to raise taxes. Contrary to the logic espoused by Democratic lawmakers, the governor proposes to increase per-pupil spending, enhance public safety funding, pay down more than $3 billion in bond obligations, and set aside a $2.2-billion reserve — all without targeting the pocket books of California taxpayers.

This budget can best be summarized as a step in the right direction, but it is not a fix. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Assembly to produce a budget that works for California.

I am pleased that the governor’s May revision does not include any new taxes. The bad news is that the level of spending outstrips last year. The amount of spending has increased by more than $1.9 billion from what was proposed by the governor just four months ago. This type of excessive spending is irresponsible.

Opportunities are being missed to reduce our spending and address the budget deficit. We need to learn to live within our means and notcontinue to spend more than we take in as revenue. It’s that simple.

Unfortunately, this budget continues to push California further and further off track. With more borrowing, more spending and more gimmicks, the story has not changed. This is exactly what Californians have come to expect from the legislature and the governor.

I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues to produce an on-time and responsible budget; a budget that pays down the debt while maintaining a rainy day fund. Tough decisions lie in front of us. They must be dealt with, and we must work together for the benefit of all Californians.