Stanislaus-area lawmakers respond to governor’s inaugural speech
State lawmakers in and near Stanislaus County issued responses Monday to Gov. Jerry Brown’s inaugural address:
Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen: “Assembly Republicans stand ready to partner with Gov. Brown on policies that will put California on a responsible financial path that respects hardworking taxpayers,” said Olsen, who represents parts of Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties and is the Assembly’s new Republican leader. “I applaud the governor for continuing to work on our caucus’ priority of improving California’s fiscal health, from tackling fast-growing retiree health care costs to implementing the state’s new rainy-day fund.”
Olsen went on to criticize Brown’s plan for water diversion in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and for a high-speed rail system. “I am disappointed that in his fifth year, Gov. Brown is still off chasing tunnels and trains instead of putting forward a plan to spur economic growth in California or to ensure our schools are preparing students for a 21st-century economy.”
Sen. Anthony Cannella: “Overall, I am pleased with what the governor outlined today, and I look forward to working with him and my fellow lawmakers in a bipartisan fashion to ensure a stronger California, focusing on job creation and our aging infrastructure, such as highways, bridges and water systems,” said Cannella, a Republican whose district includes Merced County and part of Stanislaus. “It is imperative, however, that we are fiscally responsible and continue to focus on reducing debt and improving our state’s fiscal health. I am also encouraged and support the governor’s statement that students should not be the financiers of California’s higher education system.”
Sen. Tom Berryhill: “We have worked well together in the past to do what is right for California,” said the Republican, whose district includes parts of Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties and the central Sierra Nevada. “His leadership on water brought everyone to the table to craft the water bond recently passed by the voters. I hope he continues to push his party to the center as we tackle other problems where we share a vision for California. Reforming the California Environmental Quality Act to create more jobs is one such area. Keeping a tight leash on spending is another. As always, the governor has put forth some bold visions in his speech. A word of caution – those visions should not be achieved on the backs of the working folks.”
Assemblyman Frank Bigelow: “Like Gov. Brown, I want to make higher education and K-12 schools a priority in the upcoming year,” said the Republican, whose district includes the central Sierra. “We should start by sending more Prop. 30 education tax dollars to the classroom as the voters were promised. Rural California must also not be forgotten when decisions are made at the state Capitol. I will work across party lines to ensure that our region has access to excellent health care options, top-notch schools and sufficient resources to keep our communities safe.”
This story was originally published January 5, 2015 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Stanislaus-area lawmakers respond to governor’s inaugural speech."