Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, of Tulare, today issued the following statement regarding the positive news that California's unemployment rate has improved, which could also boost the state's projected revenues:

"Today's job numbers mean good news for California's struggling families. Republicans have always said that the most effective way to generate more tax revenue to fund vital programs is by creating private sector jobs and getting Californians back to work. Last year, Republicans stood together to lower tax rates, which encouraged the private sector investment that is fueling the state's economic turnaround.

"However, the problem continues to be spending. It seems every time new tax revenue is generated, Sacramento wants to spend even more. Just last week, we saw that on full display as the majority party's first budget action was to increase welfare spending by $1 billion. While more people working will mean more tax revenue for the state, the Legislature must hold the line on spending in order to make a difference in closing the deficit."