SACRAMENTO - Assembly Republican Caucus Chair Brian Nestande (R-Palm Desert) today responded to the release of Governor Jerry Brown's May revision of his 2012-13 budget proposal:

"Once again California is dealing with the side effects of unrealistic revenue projections and budgeting gimmicks.  In January the budget shortfall was estimated to be $9.2 billion and with the Governors May revision the gap has increased to $15.7 billion.  The imaginary money the majority party counted on in last years 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 restore honest budgeting and rein in government spending.  For too long, the Legislature has relied on gimmicks and dubious assumptions, which has led to the huge budget mess we face today.  Lawmakers, regardless of their ideology, owe it to Californians to budget honestly and set spending priorities for California's future.  This is why I introduced ACA 13 which would require the controller to review estimated revenues and expenditures and certify that a budget passed by the Legislature is balance before it can be signed by the governor."

For more information on the Governor's May revise please visit California Budget Fact Check.