COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:Gov.’s budget drifts further off course

I am pleased that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s May revision of the state budget 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 not continue 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 are ahead. They must be dealt with, and we must work together for the benefit of all Californians.