Sacramento – Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) released the following statement on passage of the state budget this afternoon:
“In the wake of the recession, this budget continues the work of rebuilding our state. I am encouraged to see that schools are the primary beneficiary of our improving economy. The budget passed today includes an additional $8.2 billion for K-12 education.
There is also an additional $107 million for Cal State University and $25 million for the University of California. This comes on top of the $120 million proposed by the Governor.
Jobs and the economy are two of our highest priorities. One of the reasons I am proud to support this budget is because it represents an effort to uplift the working poor and children of the working poor. It doesn’t accomplish this by raising taxes or complicating our business climate. We accomplished this through the earned-income tax credit and the local control funding formula.
Recognizing the seriousness of the ongoing drought, this budget will begin appropriating the first part of voter-approved funds contained in the Water Bond. The multi-year, $2.38 billion plan begins investing in critical water infrastructure including drinking water and desalination projects.”
The budget now goes to the Governor. He has two weeks to sign or veto all or portions of the spending agreement which goes into effect July 1.