SACRAMENTO – Today, the Governor released his proposed 2024/25 Budget. Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) provided the following statement:
“The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) projected California would face a budget deficit of $68 billion this year. The Governor stands by his $37.9 billion deficit. The LAO is known for its objectivity and accuracy. California will now need to make multi-billion dollar spending reductions. No fiscally, well-managed entity should tap into rainy day reserves to accomplish a balanced budget unless there is an emergency.
“The State does not excel at balanced budgets. It is vital that we cut back spending on non-core programs and stop funding cost prohibitive mandates.
“In September, the supermajority and the Governor partnered on implementing mandated wage increases for public health care workers without knowing the true cost impacts of the $4 billion policy. Today, the Governor proposed the Legislature act to make the policy subject to available General Fund dollars. I will keep a close eye on this, as well as other areas, to cut non-core spending during budget negotiations. It is time to be fiscally responsible.”