On Wednesday, Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, and members of the California Senate Republican Caucus delivered a specific list of budget priorities to Democratic leadership in anticipation of the governor’s May Revise of the budget.

California Democrats have stated that the budget surplus could hit a staggering $68 billion, and Senate Republicans urge investing those funds wisely, according to Wilk.

“California is going to hell in a handbasket under a one-party rule,” Wilk said. “The budget should be laser-focused on addressing affordability, rising homelessness, public safety and an environmental crisis with regard to drought and wildfire that threatens entire communities. These are the issues that keep ordinary Californians up at night.”

Click here to read the full budget request. Included in the full list to address affordability and homelessness are:

Full Gas Tax Holiday

The state should immediately suspend the gas tax to reduce the cost of fuel for families suffering from record-high prices. The revenues should be backfilled by the General Fund so that transportation projects will not be impacted.

Lower Costs for Renters

To help offset rising rental costs, California should increase the renter’s tax credit to $1,000 for spouses filing joint returns, heads of households and surviving spouses. It should also include a $500 tax credit for other individuals to provide temporary assistance for one of California’s most significant problems.

California Student Tax Credit

To assist students with the rising costs of housing, transportation or other school expenses, California should offer up to several thousand dollars in student tax credits per year for eligible students. Address Mental Health And Substance Abuse Needs

The state should invest $10 billion to build the facilities needed to address the related crises of mental health, substance abuse and homelessness.

Invest in Water Storage

The state must invest the $2.6 billion necessary to fully fund the already voter-approved Sites Reservoir which will provide water storage for 1.5 million homes per year.

Prepare for Wildfires

The state needs to remove the red tape and roadblocks stalling wildfire prevention and treatment projects.

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