The Legislature sent the Governor a budget that increases billions of dollars in taxes, prevents funding for charter schools and jeopardizes public safety. This deal was cobbled together with little public input – an agreement that lacked transparency. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement: 

“I do appreciate the pro Tem, the Speaker and the Governor for their continued support in Paradise to fund the promised $7.3 Million to the Paradise Irrigation District. This money will help bring clean water to survivors of the Camp Fire.

“It is, however, disappointing that this budget came together without public discussion or representation. Citing concerns with Covid-19, the conference committee – a forum for bipartisan discussions – was scrapped.

“There is no excuse for the denial of public input and lack of transparency. By cutting out the minority party, the Governor and Democratic lawmakers have denied millions of Californians the opportunity for their voices to be heard through their representatives in discussions and negotiations.

“Californians deserve to have a voice in their government.”