Assemblyman Nielsen (R-Gerber) made the following comments today following Governor Jerry Brown's release of his 2011-2012 budget proposal.

"California remains in a budget crisis, including $8.2 billion deficit this year and a projected budget deficit of $17.2 billion for 2011-2012," stated Nielsen.  "I am pleased that Governor Brown agrees that we need make cuts, and his proposal includes $12.5 billion in cuts.  While I feel that these cuts do not go far enough, this is a good start."

"Voters in California rejected tax increases at the ballot two years ago and again last November; there is no reason to insult their intelligence.  Californians do not want to see the sales tax increase, or their personal income tax increase, or see their Vehicle License Fee increase.  They want to see California tighten its fiscal belt, and get spending under control, once and for all."

"Once again, I am asking the Legislature to look at real budget reform.  We need zero-based budgeting and to go through the budgets of every government agency line by line.  Every penny of spending needs to be justified.  This budget will be balanced only when our economy improves, and that will only happen if we get rid of harmful regulations and adopt policies that will attract new investments and new jobs.  Raising taxes on individuals and businesses is not the way to cause businessmen and individuals to invest in the economy and create jobs."