SACRAMENTO – Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) issued the following statement after Governor Gavin Newsom released his revised 2020-21 budget proposal:
“The Governor’s revised budget plan is right to focus on these most essential priorities – public health, public safety, public education, and supporting workers and businesses. With California facing a projected $54 billion deficit, I am encouraged that he recognizes that difficult choices will have to be made sooner rather than later.
“While additional federal assistance can help cover some of the deficit, expecting Uncle Sam to come to the rescue is wishful thinking. Raising taxes makes no sense when many families and businesses have significantly less income to live with. That is why a final 2020-21 budget must help support a safe reopening of the state’s entire economy. Workers and businesses cannot earn income and pay taxes if our economy continues to be in an induced coma.
“Unfortunately, the budget still includes more than $20 million to enforce AB 5, which will further hurt workers who wish to remain independent. What should be done instead is to fix AB 5’s job-killing flaws and make the law fair for all, rather than creating more winners and losers.
“Californians have tightened their belts and the state must do the same. Democrats and Republicans must work together to use California’s rainy day fund prudently and reduce spending in a way that will have the least impact on residents.”
