Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) released the following statement on the recent passage of a final budget for the 2015-16 year. It goes to Governor Brown for signature before going into effect July 1.
“Making the first meaningful steps to reinvest in California since the recession, the Legislature today gave final approval to the 2015-16 budget bills. Thanks to the state’s growing economy our education system was a primary beneficiary. This budget invests $14 billion more than last year in California’s K-12 and community college systems.
“Throughout the recession, skyrocketing costs and increasing out-of-state enrollment made attending a UC or CSU almost unattainable. Recognizing that a robust and accessible higher education system is critical for the growth of our state, this budget expands Competitive Cal Grants by 15% and lowers in-state tuition for middle class families by 20%.
“Jobs and the economy are two of our highest priorities. One of the reasons I am proud to support this budget is because it represents an effort to uplift the working poor and children of the working poor. It doesn’t raise taxes or complicate our business climate. Rather, we accomplished this through the earned-income tax credit and the local control funding formula.
“California is mired in the worst drought in recent history. Recognizing the need for immediate action, the budget allocates the first round of the Water Bond, spending $2.38 billion on groundwater resources, desalination technology and projects to preserve our water supplies.
“And, as part of the state’s commitment to a sustainable environment, this budget provides millions in new funding to hire 42 new well inspectors to ensure that any drilling activity in California is conducted in a safe and responsible manner.”
