Paul Cook

There Was No Republican Conspiracy to Raise Taxes

By Asm. Paul Cook | 03/11/09

While conspiracy theorists are busy spinning tall tales that make good radio copy, Proposition 1A is actually pretty simple. Prop 1A allows voters to either place a spending limit in the state constitution by voting yes or to reduce the tax increase from four years to two years through a no vote.  This was my first opportunity to vote on a real spending cap, and I voted for it then just as I would today. There are no taxes in Prop 1A. ... read more »

It's Time to Tackle the State Deficit

By Asm. Paul Cook | 12/15/08

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... read more »

Reflections from the Convention Front Lines

By Asm. Paul Cook | 09/05/08

Attending the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis has been a whirlwind experience for my wife Jeanne and me.  With an unfinished, oversized and overdue budget looming over California's Legislature, I had planned to remain in Sacramento to fight against bloated spending and push for a sensible budget - but when the legislative overlords announced that no budget would be presented or voted on, I made last minute arrangements to... read more »

Time to Stop Passing the Political Hot Potato

By Asm. Paul Cook | 09/05/08

It is no surprise that Californians are clamoring for their Legislature to adopt a budget before the state goes bankrupt.  However, if legislators pass the current budget proposal, they run the risk of enacting a budget that doesn't meet Californians' long-term needs and continues to rely on temporary fixes and schemes that worsen California's structural deficit.  Any fiscally conscientious person can describe to you the folly of... read more »

Fiscal Discipline Requires Us to Reject More Borrowing

By Asm. Paul Cook | 08/20/08

"You and I, as individuals, can, by borrowing, live beyond our means, but only for a limited period of time. Why, then, should we think that collectively, as a nation, we're not bound by the same limitation? We must act today in order to preserve tomorrow. And let there be no misunderstanding - we are going to begin to act, beginning today."First Inaugural Address by Ronald ReaganWashington D.C. - January 20th 1981As the state budget becomes 50... read more »

Thank You for the Warm Welcome to the RC SB Blogpen

By Asm. Paul Cook | 07/22/08

I've had the opportunity to be many things during my life including a Marine, an educator, a mayor, and an Assembly member, but this is my first time being a blogger. I'd like to thank Jessica for all she's done to help me get set up on Red County San Bernardino as well as thank everyone who had such kind comments welcoming me to this site; you've all made this leap into the 21st century much easier than I'd expected.I am really looking... read more »