He vows to stay firm in opposition of new or increased
taxes.
Yesterday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled a new
budget proposal for the state of California
which he believes represents a good middle ground in the staunch debate, which
has held to party lines. The California
state budget is currently 2 months late and experiencing a $15 billion dollar
shortfall.
The Democrats are looking to raise the state income tax to
create more revenue to solve the problem, while Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger’s new proposal includes a one-cent sales tax increase for three
years, followed by a ¼ cent cut.
On the Republican side, they refuse to raise any taxes,
instead seeking long term reform and spending cuts. Assemeblyman Cameron Smyth
spoke to KHTS and said that they will continue to hold their positions.
He cited that when Schwarzenegger ran for office he called
out the state for spending too much money.
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“Now he’s asking for more revenue,” Smyth said. “It’s a
direct 180 change from where he was when he got elected, and that’s really
frustrating, I thin, for many Californians and for those of us in the
legislature who supported him.”
Another item that Schwarzenegger is pushing for is the
establishment of a rainy day fund, which he says will help balance the budget
in tough financial years. Smyth says the idea for such a fund is good, but it
won’t make a difference unless serious reform is installed.
“One of the things that is still out of the budget proposal
that we think is critical, is having an actual spending cap,” he said. “Having
a rainy day fund really doesn’t do anything unless you have spending caps.”
For now, Smyth told KHTS that state Republicans will
continue holding their respective lines in an effort to bring about spending
reform in Sacramento.
Yesterday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled a new
budget proposal for the state of California
which he believes represents a good middle ground in the staunch debate, which
has held to party lines. The California
state budget is currently 2 months late and experiencing a $15 billion dollar
shortfall.
