Republican Senate Leader Dave Codgill and Republican Assembly Leader Mike Villines recently unveiled a fiscally-responsible budget reform plan establishing a set spending limit and a rainy day fund. Such reforms will prove a vital tool controlling state spending and preventing severe deficits from distresing Californians in the future.

Teresa Casazza President, Cal-Tax:

“The current budget system isn’t working for the taxpayers of California, and this proposal offers the reforms needed to get the state off the fiscal rollercoaster… Under the current system, one-time revenue spikes are committed to ongoing programs, and no long-range plan exists for dealing with revenue shortfalls. This inevitably leads to budget problems during economic downturns, when taxpayers are least able to shoulder the burden of tax increases. This has to stop.” (Press release, June 18, 2008)

Jim Boren, Editorial Page Editor, Fresno Bee:

“The Republicans have a point about the Democrats’ spending habits. The current system has the Legislature spending every dime in good years, with nothing left in a savings account for bad economic times.” (Fresno Bee Opinion Blog, June 18, 2008)

Jon Coupal, President, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association:

“Much like Proposition 13 did 30 years ago, a spending cap will bring both predictability and fiscal responsibility to California’s budget process by avoiding the annual ‘feast or famine’ approach that plagues us with ongoing deficits.” (Press release, June 18, 2008)

Peter Foy, Chairman, Americans for Prosperity of California:

“(The) spending limit proposal from Senator Dave Cogdill and Assemblyman Mike Villines is a common sense approach that restrains government excesses and provides for future budget stability. The taxpayer should no longer be viewed as an ATM machine for lawmakers who spend more than they have. Taxpayers should not be punished with higher taxes when government fails to act responsibly.” (Press release, June 18, 2008)