SACRAMENTO-Assembly Republican Caucus Chair Brian Nestande, (R-Palm Desert), issued the following statement today in response to the passage of the Democrat majority vote budget:

"While democrats lauded the swift passage of what they called a budget that brings California closer to fiscal solvency, this budget is the product of back door deals, accounting schemes, and does absolutely nothing to help dig California out of the financial hole that we are in.  This budget increases spending, does nothing to protect education funding." 

The statements made by the majority party are an insult to Californians, and to our democratic process.  While they are congratulating each other on a job well done, there are still worse days ahead.  Today is the budget deadline, and yet votes were only taken on half of the measures that compose the full budget. 

"This budget contains no spending reforms whatsoever.  We can no longer afford these budget gimmicks when dealing with the financial future and welfare of our state.  We must put education first and reduce government spending.  We must create a strong business environment by streamlining the regulatory process and improving our tax code to encourage more investment in business, thereby bringing jobs back to California."

Assemblyman Nestande proudly serves the communities of Canyon Lake, Indian Wells, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Riverside, Temecula, Perris, Wildomar, Winchester, Menifee, Hemet, Anza, Aguanga, Idyllwild, Bermuda Dunes, Mountain Center and Woodcrest.