SACRAMENTO - Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, of Tulare, today issued the following statement in response to the release of Governor Brown's 2012-13 state budget plan:

"It is disappointing to see Governor Brown propose yet another reckless budget scheme.  His plan relies upon a painful $35 billion tax increase on hard-working California families so Sacramento can grow General Fund spending by 7 percent.  With the economy improving and revenues on the rise naturally, we must live within our means.

"The Governor's budget also expands his dangerous public safety realignment plan, which will lead to more criminals being housed in communities across the state.  Ironically, the Governor's budget will grow Corrections spending, despite the fact that 10,000 inmates have been sent to already overcrowded local jails.

"The news that tax revenue to the state is growing significantly shows that lowering taxes stimulates the economy.  Assembly Republicans will again stand as the last line of defense for taxpayers, fighting hard to bring back private sector jobs, reform government, end wasteful spending and stop the Governor's costly tax increase.  We believe Sacramento's focus should be growing the economy and getting spending under control, not trying to raise taxes."