Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, of Tulare, today released the following statement after Governor Jerry Brown announced the state budget deficit will be $16 billion:

"Overall revenues are up even though tax rates went down last year. Republicans have always said that growing our economy through job creation is the best way to increase state revenues.

"The bigger problem is that the imaginary money the majority party counted on in last year's sham of a budget never materialized and they have refused to cut big government. This year alone, they have rejected billions in reductions proposed by the Governor of their own party.

"Today's news underscores how we must rein in spending and let our economy grow by leaving overburdened taxpayers alone."

Under Conway's leadership, for the past two years Republicans have presented budget solutions that protect classroom funding without tax increases. For more information, visit California Budget Fact Check.

Governor Jerry Brown is expected to release his revised budget plan on Monday.