On Friday, Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, released the following statement regarding her vote to reject the legislative Democrats’ state budget proposal.

“Today, I voted no on the state budget proposed by California’s majority party. Budgets are a reflection of our priorities—and this one fails the hardworking Californians who I am here to represent. Despite promises by the legislative leaders to make 2025 the “year of affordability,” their budget offers no real relief from rising costs.

It also disregards voters’ clear demand to restore public safety by failing to fully fund Prop 36, depriving law enforcement of the essential tools they need, according to Valladares.

Meanwhile, it expands bureaucracy and protects pet projects while cutting essential services for our most vulnerable.

“Just a few years ago, California had a $100 billion surplus. Now we face a $14 billion deficit and a drained rainy-day fund. This irresponsible budget continues a pattern of overspending and misplaced priorities — it’s all cost, no compass.

“California needs leaders who will make hard choices and deal in reality or our kids and their kids will be paying the price for generations to come,” said Senator Valladares.

The State Senate voted to approve the $232 billion spending plan this morning.

The budget proposes a $5.5 billion increase compared to the Governor’s May Revision and increases ongoing spending while using one-time resources like borrowing and reserves.

At the same time, it proposes nearly

$100 million in cuts to the developmentally disabled community.

Ed. Note: The above information was provided by Senator Valladares’ Office. 

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