REPUBLICANS INTRODUCE BUDGET REFORMS
Plan Establishes Spending Limit, New Reserve Fund

SACRAMENTO - Assemblyman Jim Silva, R-Huntington Beach, today joined Assembly and Senate Republicans in proposing a budget reform plan that establishes a spending limit and a reserve fund. Silva said these reforms are essential to helping California live within its means and end the wasteful government spending that has hurt taxpayers for too long.

"The Legislature continually fails to prioritize state spending and continues to overspend on new and expanding programs, even in years of deficit," said Silva. "These reforms will help stabilize our budget by putting a reasonable limit on how much can be spent, and setting aside money for future years and for paying down debt."

The reforms proposed today by Assemblyman Silva and legislative Republicans establish a strict spending limit that restricts state spending increases to annual growth in population and the rate of inflation. It also creates a rainy day fund that will save money for the future. In addition, the reforms provide that state mandates imposed by the Legislature on local governments and school districts will either be fully-funded in the budget or suspended for the fiscal year. 

"We've got to cut out the waste," continued Silva. "Setting a spending limit and directing additional revenues toward a reserve will force the Legislature to prioritize its spending on things like public safety, education, health, and infrastructure. And forcing the Legislature to fund its mandates will help relieve some of the budgetary pressures on our schools, cities, and counties."

Silva said it is critical to pass long-term reforms to end the budget roller coaster that has hurt many Californians. "You don't spend your rent money on vacations. Unfortunately, the state has been doing just that for far too long. These reforms will help put an end to wasteful spending."