Assembly Speaker Says State Should Not Pursue All-Cuts Budget Plan

On Tuesday, Assembly Speaker John Pérez (D-Los Angeles) said that closing California's remaining deficit entirely with spending cuts should not be considered an option, the Contra Costa Times reports.

Pérez also promised to pressure Republicans to be more flexible in their approach to taxes (Harmon/Krupnick, Contra Costa Times, 4/12).

Background

Last month, Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signed legislation to reduce state spending by $11.2 billion. The measures included deep cuts to several health programs.

Brown initially planned to close the remaining $15.4 billion deficit by putting a tax extension plan on a June special election ballot, but GOP lawmakers refused to support the proposal.

The governor now is considering alternative strategies -- such as a legislative vote or a fall special election -- to pass his tax measure. If his tax proposal fails, Brown has threatened to release an all-cuts budget plan (California Healthline, 4/12).

Pérez Speaks Out on Budget

Although Brown previously vowed not to raise taxes without voter approval, Pérez said he made no such promise. The Assembly speaker said he will attempt to pass the tax measure with a two-thirds legislative vote that voters could ratify later.

Pérez also said that Assembly Democrats plan to hold a series of summits in Republican districts across the state to drum up support for the tax measure (Contra Costa Times, 4/12).

In addition, Pérez challenged GOP lawmakers to develop their own budget plan (Lin, AP/Ventura County Star, 4/12).

Broadcast Coverage

On Tuesday, KPCC's "KPCC News" reported on Pérez's efforts to promote Brown's tax measure (Small, "KPPC News," KPCC, 4/12).