Below is a lengthier statement that I just received from FR friend State Senator Bob Dutton in response to the Governor’s State Of The State Address…
For several years now I have said the only way California’s economy is going to turn around is by lifting the economic and regulatory burdens that make this state the most expensive place in the nation to live and work. I’m pleased that Governor Schwarzenegger unveiled a plan today that begins making the principles of private sector job creation and regulatory reform a priority.
California has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. In fact, other than Detroit, the Inland Empire (San Bernardino and Riverside Counties) has the highest unemployment rate in the nation for large population areas.
More than 617,000 people have lost their jobs since November 2008 and currently 2.2 million people in California need jobs.
It’s clear that in addition to the economic downturn that has affected the entire nation, the decisions made in Sacramento affect real people who continue to struggle to make ends meet and are looking for the type of leadership that will lead us out of this economic downturn.
Today, the governor made several proposals that take a step in the right direction in helping turn this economy around, including a program that will ultimately create 100,000 new jobs.
His plan also calls for a home buyers tax credit and tax incentives for businesses that create new jobs—measures that I have championed in the Legislature.
On badly needed regulatory reform, the governor has proposed eliminating frivolous lawsuits that hurt small business and ultimately cost California jobs, and making it easier for development of projects, without threat of lawsuits, once they have received approval.
It’s this type of common sense approach to the issues facing our state that will ultimately turn California around.
As the Vice Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee I will work hard with the governor and my legislative colleagues to implement proposals that will put Californians back to work and make this state a friendlier and less expensive place to do business.
While the governor has proposed some good ideas to set California in the right direction, this is just the beginning. We need to create an atmosphere that not only helps create 100,000 jobs, but one that will help all 2.2 million Californians currently out of work find a job.
Make no mistake, California will recover from this current recession. But how fast and how strong we recover is up to the Governor and Legislature.
I look forward to working with the governor to bring about the common sense reforms that are so vital to our future.