Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

The State of California  faces yet another fiscal debacle according to an AP story by Judy Linn in Sunday’s news.  “California’s budget deficit has swelled to a projected $16 billion — much larger than had been predicted just months ago — and will force severe cuts to schools and public safety if voters fail to approve tax increases in November, Gov. Jerry Brown said Saturday….”  The Governor’s plan to punish schools and public safety if his tax measure doesn’t pass is bad fiscal policy and poor governance.

This Governor and this Legislature continues to put forth no State economic growth plan or strategy, no regulatory reform, no program for business retention, business expansion, and new business development and only suggests tax increases as a means of gaining more State revenue. State policies and anti -business flavor drives jobs and investment out of California, and it does not promote economic growth or prosperity. State government today works to cripple local governments as well by taking local government revenues (like redevelopment) to  finance their spending excesses.

Locally elected leaders must be even more prudent in their budgeting practices if they are to weather this continuing economic storm and continue to provide essential services to the people. Having sound budget reserves to weather the storm remains important.  Local residents never know where the “State government boot” will land next.

Locally elected leaders must be “Leaders” and press hard on their legislators and the Governor to become pro-business and pro-regulatory reform in California. Locally elected leaders must be advocates at the State level for development of a comprehensive State economic growth strategy to encourage  business growth and expansion and result in employment of  thousands of Californians seeking employment and better paying jobs.

David M. Jinkens
Manteca
May 13, 2012