SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Megan Dahle, R-Bieber, issued the following statement in response to the Governor’s 2022-2023 proposed State Budget.
“Governor Newsom’s proposed budget attempts to solve California’s biggest problems without proper oversight or strategic solutions. With another record-breaking surplus of $45.7 billion, overtaxed Californians will be forced to continue waiting for solutions to issues that have plagued our state for years: housing, drought, and the threat of wildfires to name a few. Proposed benefits, such as foregoing the annual gas tax this summer, are false promises that will require taxpayers to contribute in other ways. Increased spending does not increase results.
“Many businesses struggling with challenges from the pandemic have also had to navigate serial shoplifting associated with the failed Prop. 47. Instead of assisting local law enforcement with the recent spike in violent crimes, the Administration focuses on gun buyback programs which are proven to be ineffective in reducing crime.
“Expanding educational opportunities should absolutely be a priority, but we are once again seeing record per-pupil spending while learning loss continues to rise in the wake of pandemic lockdowns, social isolation, and inconsistency with keeping our students in classrooms.
“$4.6 billion was designated to solving California’s drought crisis last year. This year, Governor Newsom is asking for an additional $750 million and, still, none of that will go toward building much needed water storage infrastructure.
“The continued investment in wildfire prevention and response is vital to all of California, but especially the residents of Assembly District 01. For years Republicans have been proponents of these efforts, fighting what seems to be an uphill battle. I am pleased to see some progress being made on this front, but we are barely scratching the surface. More needs to be done beyond funding to fire safe our state.
“Governor Newsom’s proposed State Budget allocates more dollars with little accountability. Californians deserve results. Increased spending does not increase results.”
Assemblywoman Megan Dahle represents the 1st Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Butte and Placer counties, along with Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou counties.
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