The new class of legislators ushered into Sacramento just two weeks ago have been presented with a daunting task: Solving the latest budget mess in California. An 18-month projection shows that the state's cash shortfall will swell to over $17 billion unless something is done. The problem is that few are willing to do the hard work now to ensure California's prosperity.

The Democrat-controlled Legislature has steered the direction of California's public policy and, consequently, its economy, for some time.  One could argue that the partisan composition of the Legislature, which resulted in thousands of expensive Democrat-authored laws over the last decade, has played a significant role in the increased cost of living in California.  Californians are footing the bill for this ridiculous game of tax and spend.  It's time we did something different. 

For example, as a member of the Assembly Budget Committee, one would expect that I have a great deal of influence over the state budget.  The reality is that the "Big Five" dominate budget negotiations, leaving committee members with virtually no input in the outcome of the budget.  (The Big Five consists of the Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, Assembly Minority Leader, and their counterparts in the Senate.)  The Legislature is filled with over one hundred well-educated professionals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.  Unfortunately, leadership in both parties underutilizes the knowledge of rank-and-file legislators.  Giving them an increased role in negotiations will force legislators to take responsibility for the budget and their respective votes, rather than simply defer to leadership. 

Another integral part to sustaining an effective state budget is to take a realistic look at what is needed and what is not.  As a Marine Corps commanding officer, I remember the panic that spread throughout the country in the 1990s when the federal government announced the reduction of military installations throughout the country.  The closures were a part of the federal government's plan to increase the overall effectiveness of the Armed Forces.  Many members of Congress were appalled at the idea of closing installations within their districts, as these bases brought job opportunities and federal funding to their regions.  To sidestep tensions, Congress created the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) commission to evaluate and manage prospective base closures, irrespective of political pressure. 

I would like to see the creation of a commission similar to BRAC in California in order to establish a performance-based budgeting system.  In this model, funding for state agencies and programs would be dependent on their overall performance, not the narrow preferences of rigid politicians and special interest groups.

The common sentiment among constituents of my district is that they are disgusted by the inability of the Legislature to do its job.  They are not alone.  Opinion polls across the state show that Californians are united in their contempt for the Legislature.  If the legislators cannot make the difficult decisions to get us out of this fiscal crisis, then I suggest the implementation of a more radical approach.  I am not afraid to call for the transformation of the Legislature into a part time body, as it was before 1966.  Additionally, as I have said since my first day in office, if the state budget isn't approved by July 1st, the salaries and perks for all legislators should be eliminated until it is passed. 

We should also replace our current one-year budget system with a multi-year plan.  This framework would force legislators to make better-long term plans, rather than hasty one-year budgets.  Thus, there would be less chance that a budget stalemate would cut payments to folks like foster parents, Medi-Cal recipients, and the elderly.    

The game of football often mimics the rough and tumble world of politics.  Some teams rely on gimmick offenses and complicated defensive schemes in an attempt to outfox their opponents.  However, as the legendary football coach Vince Lombardi put it, "Some people try to find things in this game that don't exist.  Football is two things: it's blocking and tackling."  In other words, legislators need to master the simple tasks before they take on the more complicated ones.  Many have been so consumed with expanding the role of government that they fail to complete their fundamental duties.  Unfortunately, the stakes are much higher in this game; the health and prosperity of California rides on their shoulders.