Sacramento, Calif. – California’s Democratic legislators have passed Senate Bill 101, an annual budget criticized by Republican lawmakers for its lack of balance and reliance on borrowing. The bill faced bipartisan opposition but ultimately passed both the State Senate and Assembly without adopting amendments proposed by Republicans.
Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks), Vice Chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, commented on the situation, stating, “After a clumsy budget process, the majority party has not done anything to address the structural deficit.” He added that the budget relies on anticipated revenue growth rather than preparing for potential economic downturns.
Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Ripon) expressed disappointment with the budget during this period of economic uncertainty. He remarked, “We’re in a period of economic uncertainty and are staring at years of operating deficits, yet we’re spending more money than ever on things less than vital.”
Republican Senators and Assemblymembers had proposed amendments aimed at addressing these concerns. However, as Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) noted, “The Democrat budget shortchanges Californians.” He criticized spending priorities such as free healthcare for illegal immigrants and investments in high-speed rail while increasing gas prices.
Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-East Nicolaus) echoed these sentiments, highlighting unmet promises regarding affordability and wildfire prevention. “This budget fails Californians,” he said.
Since 2011, California’s budget has been under Democratic control across all major offices. Despite Republican efforts to introduce amendments in both legislative chambers today, procedural tactics were used to avoid or defeat them.
