From the Imperial Valley News:

Sacramento, California – Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella) made the following statement today about the passage of the state budget:
“Today, for the first time in a decade, we approved a budget on time. It is balanced for this fiscal year and maintains funding to our schools, health services, and public safety. While it’s not the approach I would have preferred, this is an on-time, balanced budget. It builds on the tough cuts we made in March, but also includes a $600 million reserve and makes a major reduction in the ongoing structural deficit.

My Republican colleagues were unwilling to support temporary revenue extensions, or even allow the voters to decide. I believe that would have been a more responsible and sustainable approach. But, California voters gave us a mandate last November, and we took that seriously to deliver a balanced budget by the deadline.

As for specific votes, I disagreed with the RDA bills and did not support them. Just like with the Enterprise Zone program, I believe in RDA reform, not elimination. I’m also concerned that the “two bill” approach will result in legal challenges rather than deliver General Fund savings.”