Assemblyman Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) released the following statement today on the June 15 deadline for the State Legislature to pass a balanced budget:

"Democrats have indeed held a lot of scripted hearings to build a case for their tax, borrow, and spend ideas, but no document yet has been offered publicly for review that contains the specific language of their plan. In the Budget Conference Committee, there has been some give and take on lesser issues, but no compromise or agreements have been incorporated into bill language on the major issues.

With the exception of key prison and parole issues, the Governor's plan is a good place to start final negotiations. The Governor's proposal reduces spending and does not raise taxes.  But where has the Legislature been for six months? Debating such trivia as banning smoking on state beaches.

Though six months late, leader to leader and member to member negotiations need to start immediately. Agreements must appear in print and be available for review three days before legislators vote on any budget item, so that legislators and the public can know what is being done to reform and balance California's budget."