Assemblyman Obernolte Remarks

ON……

STATE of the STATE Address 

By Governor Brown

Sacramento, California, Thursday, January 25, 2018____

Assemblyman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) issued the following statement in  response to the Governor’s State of the State:   

“In Govern Brown’s final State of the State address before the Legislature, he took the opportunity to tout the prosperity of California. It’s true that California is currently enjoying a multi-billion dollar budget surplus, thanks to our booming economy.

“Unfortunately, what the Governor did not mention is that California also has the highest income tax rate, the highest sales tax, and now the highest total gas tax of any state. He also didn’t bring up the fact that our poverty rate is the highest in the nation and that the dream of homeownership is now out of reach for many Californians. The truth is that the policies of this Governor and Legislature have made California unaffordable for countless families and small businesses throughout our state. 

“And while I appreciate his call to fund much-needed infrastructure projects, I wholeheartedly disagree with his statement that passing the $52 billion gas tax was essential to fixing our roads. I was further disappointed with his pledge to fight any repeal effort that qualifies for the ballot. With an estimated $7 billion surplus, our state government should prioritize existing General Fund spending on our roads and highways.  It’s disingenuous to tell Californians that they don’t pay enough in taxes when many are already struggling to make ends meet.”