Senator Jim Nielsen, R-Red Bluff, issued the following statement today in response to Governor Newsom’s revised 2022-23 State Budget proposal:

“It’s nice we have extra revenue, but we have to be careful with how we spend it. We absolutely should not create new, future funding obligations. Budget priorities need to be focused on water infrastructure, wildfire prevention, homelessness and public safety. 

The current historic drought emphasizes the need to quickly finish Sites Reservoir and vital water conveyance projects. Funding forest management is critical to preventing more catastrophic wildfires. Moving the seriously mentally ill away from dangerous homeless encampments and towards effective treatment is essential. And we dare not forget to support funding to strengthen local law enforcement.”

Link to the Senate Republican’s letter to Governor Newsom outlining their critical budget priorities.

Link to guest commentary on funding vital water projects.