California Legislature
Assemblyman Travis Allen, 72nd District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2015
CONTACT: Stephanie Freedman, (916) 319-2072
Assemblyman Travis Allen’s Official Statement for the 2015-’16 Budget
Calls for spending priorities to be strengthening the economy and creating jobs
“Looking over the Governor’s proposed 2015-16 Budget, there are positive aspects such as maintaining a rainy day fund and beginning to address our state’s massive $73 billion unfunded healthcare liability for state workers.
“I am disappointed however, though not surprised, that the Governor proposes to increase overall state spending by another 5 percent this year. This proposed budget increase means that spending under the current Administration has gone up over 30 percent in the last five years. To pay for these continually increasing state budgets, California taxpayers are paying the highest tax rates in the country, and by extension California is consistently ranked among the worst states for new business creation and job growth.
“While Governor Brown continues to deliver feel good sound bites about California’s fiscal situation, companies and individuals are leaving our state in record numbers for states like Texas, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado that have lower tax structures and prioritize business friendly policies which raise the standard of living for their residents.
“Unfortunately, there seems to be no effort to address the core issues of reining in government expansion, improving the business climate, and lowering taxes. Instead of taking substantive steps to “open California for business”, Governor Brown is taking $1 billion out of the AB 32 cap-and-trade funds and spending it on his political agenda, which includes the highly unpopular and unnecessary high speed rail project.
“I look forward to finding constructive ways to work with the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to revitalize California’s economy. As budget negotiations progress, I will continue to fight for lower taxes and less government spending that will positively impact job creation and raise the standard of living for all Californians.”
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