More interesting was Assembly Speaker Democrat Karen Bass, dismissing Democrat Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, from her office to a cubbyhole across the street for not voting for the Democrat stalemate budget. “Now that’s news!” Paul Harvey Jr. would crow. And it’s news that does not bode well for the voters in the Diablo Valley who have to wonder who’s interests Joan Buchanan will represent if she defeats Abram Wilson, the district’s or Karen Bass? Ask them both when Karen Bass headlines a Buchanan fundraiser, September 10.

To add to this, in the past three budget cycles, we have cut $12.3 billion in spending. Essentially—we’ve trimmed the fat, cut the meat and now we’re down to the bone. Legislative Democrats and, privately even some Republicans, know we can’t solve this year’s budget situation by cuts alone.

In poll after poll, Californians are consistent. They do not support cuts to education; they do not want the safety net for our most vulnerable citizens shredded; they do not want to shutter state parks; and they do not want to slash health care benefits. Cutting these services will hurt our struggling economy more in both the short- and long-term because, many state services are already reduced to a thread-bare basic-minimum level of spending.

In order to maintain quality education, health care, fire protection, and law enforcement additional revenues are required. If we want the first-class economy and lifestyle that the Golden State provides, we need to pay for it.

After rejecting a cuts-only budget, Democrats have proposed a budget that is specific about how to preserve the resources that California values. We’re calling upon our Republican colleagues to do the work that Reagan and Wilson did during their terms as governor. When times are lean, we are responsible for creating revenue while inflicting the least amount of pain on Californians.

Democrats now have offered a detailed blueprint of a state spending plan that is both fiscally sound and fair to all Californians. The budget is a balanced approach. It makes cuts where they will do the least damage, closes tax loopholes, rolls back tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy, and it provides real ways of generating revenue without a reliance on risky proposals like leasing the state lottery.

With passage of this budget, teachers will keep their jobs and peace officers will remain on the street. We can continue to work toward universal health coverage for every Californian—especially our veterans, the elderly, and those with disabilities. By passing the budget, the Legislature can ensure that all Californians will equitably bear the burdens of this crisis while continuing to reap the many rewards of living in this state.

At the end of the day, Democrats and Republicans must answer one question: will we put aside politics and to do the right thing by passing this responsible and compassionate budget? The people of California deserve nothing less.

It is time for every Californian to take action. Tell the Legislature that it needs to pass the budget now. Visit www.adc.asm.ca.gov/issues/budget.

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Assembly Member Mark DeSaulnier (DE-SOWN-YEA) chairs the Assembly Transportation Committee as well as the Select Committees on Growth Management and Air Quality. DeSaulnier lends his expertise in local government and state regulation to the Assembly Committees on Appropriations, Human Services, and Labor and Employment. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, DeSaulnier earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the College of the Holy Cross. An avid runner, he has completed twenty-one marathons. DeSaulnier lives in Concord with his two sons and was a longtime restaurateur prior to his election to the Legislature.

Is this going to be the year when true leadership prevails and our representative’s get down to the business of solving our financial problems?

Not a chance.

The Governor has again failed to propose a balanced budget and instead is relying on more borrowing.

Democrats just unveiled their budget and proposal for nearly 10 billion dollars in tax increases.

Republicans haven’t revealed their budget vision other than saying they want to cut but as usual, and fail to specify exactly what and how much they would cut.

All sides have and continue to miss a key element in the budget debate which is before discussing tax increases or cuts, shouldn’t we first be looking at our current spending and decide if it’s delivering tangible benefits?

While in the legislature, I proposed that the first year of each two year session be devoted to budget and budget oversight. It would have set aside time and resources to allow a comprehensive evaluation of programs, most of which have never faced legislative or even departmental scrutiny.

Unfortunately taking the time to accomplish this kind of evaluation is hard, tedious work requiring real effort, study and not a lot of press hype. As you can imagine, my proposal lasted just long enough for the ink on the bill to dry before landing in the legislative round file.

As it stands, only a small handful of leadership and staff spend any time on the budget and an even smaller number make the real decisions. When a deal is struck members are summoned into caucus and told how to vote without having a clue as to what the budget bills contain. The budget, rather than reflecting the values of the Governor or Legislature, is more representative of the power of special interest groups to carve out parts reflecting their narrow agendas.

It is easy to fall back on the old refrains of tax more or spend less. It’s much much harder to decide if it’s worth spending billions on one program vs. another, each one carrying its own constituency and potential supporters or opponents.

It is past time to take a comprehensive look at how our State runs its finances. But our very first step, just as you would with your own household, is to figure out where the money you’re already bringing in is going and whether it’s worth the expense.

Among many other things, the website features a biography of Abram and background about the district. It also contains a photo gallery and information regarding volunteering and contributing to the campaign. Finally, the website highlights the numerous awards Abram has received and endorsements throughout Assembly District 15.

Those wishing to join the Abram Wilson for State Assembly campaign may call the headquarters at (925) 867-3474, e-mail at info@wilsonforassembly.com, or sign up on the website. The 15th Assembly District includes Alamo, Brentwood, Danville, Livermore, Oakley, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and a portion of Pleasanton. The district also includes Sacramento Delta communities, Galt and portions of Stockton and Elk Grove.