California's budget must be evaluated on results, not by political headlines

Governor Gavin Newsom released his $286 billion spending proposal today to the Legislature to begin the budget process. Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Kern County), Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, issued the following statement:

"While the Governor makes political headlines, every day Californians are overtaxed and are struggling to afford to live and work in our state.

"Parents are concerned about their children. Homelessness is on the rise. Small businesses are stressed. Crime is increasing. Water storage is desperately needed. Communities face a neverending wildfire season. There's an endless list of crises. Californians are rightfully frustrated.

"Governor Newsom and Sacramento Democrats have fallen into the false mindset that simply more spending equates to success. The mentality that success is defined by how much is spent instead of by real, measurable, and actual results is mindboggling.

"Californians are living a different reality seeing problems only getting worse.

"Californians want results.

"State programs must be examined by real world outcomes, not just by the amount of money spent.

"It is time for an open and transparent debate on the need for permanent tax relief, and more accountability and oversight of the spending of taxpayers' monies on programs that actually produce solutions, not just political statements.

"Overtaxed Californians should keep more of their hard earned money. Precious tax dollars need to be spent wisely and effectively to serve those in need."

Assemblyman Vince Fong represents the 34th Assembly District, encompassing most of Kern County including the communities of Bakersfield, Bear Valley Springs, China Lake, Frazier Park, Golden Hills, Inyokern, Lebec, Oildale, Ridgecrest, Taft and Tehachapi.