Budgets are about priorities, which is why I believe that our students must be at the top of the list. Sadly, that's not what's happened. The Governor has proposed devastating trigger cuts if his tax plan fails.  97 percent of these cuts are aimed at our classrooms. That's wrong and not necessary.

Schools, colleges and universities are already budgeting for the worst. And if the Governor's taxes win, our schools will still lose.

Republicans have put forward a "Roadmap to Protect Classrooms and Taxpayers," which will enable us to protect school funding and prevent education trigger cuts, without raising taxes.

The Republican Roadmap was crafted upon the following four principles:

• Hold schools harmless by making sure schools get the money they are entitled to under existing law.
• Continue past viable budget solutions by looking to solutions used over several previous budgets.
• Dedicate increased revenue to schools, including money for several anticipated tax windfalls such as the public sale of Facebook.
• Streamline government by making existing programs more efficient and halting new programs.

Click here to read a letter I sent to the Governor and legislative leaders regarding our proposal.

I am joining fellow Assembly Republicans in introducing Assembly Bill 1506, legislation that will repeal the unconstitutional fire tax.

The fire tax is a budget gimmick that imposes a $150 tax on all inhabitable structures in "State Responsibility Areas." A fire tax on residents living in State Responsibility Areas is unjust, and likely unconstitutional.

Republicans are fighting to remove this unfair tax that will burden rural taxpayers, most of whom already pay local fire taxes. Many counties have locally-assessed taxes and fees of several hundred dollars that directly support local fire stations and manpower. A statewide fire tax on these areas is essentially duplicative because it fails to create any additional protection.

Assembly Bill 1506 passed its first committee and will face another committee vote in the coming weeks.

Click here to check if you live in a State Responsibility Area.

Thanks to the idea from two local Marines, Visalia may soon have a permanent reminder of a hero, Corporal Jared Verbeek, who lost his life defending our nation's freedom.

Local service members suggested that a local roadway should be named after Corporal Verbeek. 

After hearing about their great idea, I introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 129, which would designate the South Giddings Avenue overcrossing on Highway 198 as the Corporal Jared Verbeek Memorial Overcrossing.

Private donations would cover the costs for memorial signs posted at the overcrossing.

Click here to read more about this legislation.

Click here to read local news coverage about the bill.

As thousands of California's servicemen and women prepare to return home from active duty, Assembly Republicans have introduced legislation to help veterans transition to civilian life.

Next week at the State Capitol, we will welcome back our colleague, Assemblyman Jeff Gorell - who is also a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy - after a year-long tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Click here to read a column I wrote about how Assembly Republicans have been preparing for Assemblyman Gorell's homecoming.

Click here to read more about legislation Assembly Republicans are proposing to support California's veterans.

I am proud to name Tulare resident, Patricia Heiskell Hillman, as the 34th Assembly District 2012 Woman of the Year. Women like Patricia are a shining example of why California is called the Golden State.  With her work as a businesswoman, classroom teacher and volunteer, she has spent her life putting service above self.  Patricia has done all of this without expecting anything in return, and her humble nature is just one of many reasons why she is so deserving of this recognition.

Each March, as a part of Women's History month, Assemblymembers honor extraordinary women from their districts at a special Capitol Ceremony.  The tradition first began in 1987.

Click here to read more about Patricia's accomplishments.

Helping Veterans Connect With Services: In order to support Tulare County's 21,000 veterans, service providers and community outreach organizations will be on hand to help veterans with issues related to state and county agencies.

What: 11th annual Tulare County Veterans' Opportunity Day 2012

When:   Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Veterans Memorial Building: 1771 E. Tulare Ave, Tulare

For more information, call (559) 684-4960.

League of Women Voters Film Screening: The League of Women Voters will be hosting a film screening and discussion for a new documentary called, "Patriocracy," which is about restoring democracy to the country's political process. 

What: "Patriocracy" Film Screening

When: Monday, April 30 at 7 p.m.

Where:  210 Cafe: 210 W. Center Street, Visalia

For more information, call (559) 539-3105.