Governor Jerry Brown today took the oath of office as California’s 39th Governor. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber), Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Governor’s speech:

“It is encouraging to hear the Governor focus on long-term debts and fiscal responsibility.

“While the state budget is currently stable, the Governor accurately described it as ‘precarious.’ Thus, we cannot lose sight of the hundreds of billions of dollars in debts and the need to restrain spending. If the Legislature goes on a spending spree and does not address our long term debt, this ‘precarious’ budget will be disastrous.

“In moving California forward, the Governor and legislative leaders must concentrate on creating jobs for the 1.4 million unemployed Californians, and investing in the state’s declining public education system. Focusing on jobs and education will bolster California’s economic recovery. 

“I look forward to working with the Governor and legislative leaders in finding solutions that will keep California on financial track.”

PRODUCERS/EDITORS: Below is a video of Senator Nielsen’s reaction.
https://vimeo.com/116007225