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Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) released a statement in response to today’s passage of the 2025-2026 budget:
“California doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a wasteful spending problem. The majority party has tripled our spending over the past decade, but on misplaced priorities, and not on the essential services California residents deserve.
“Democrats fumbled on tackling the affordability crisis, especially with the gas tax increase happening on July 1. Two refineries are due for closure in 2026, and experts have raised a red flag that gas prices could go as high as $8 per gallon next year, driving their affordability crisis to a breaking point.
“Democrats dropped the ball to fully fund Proposition 36, the anti-crime initiative. The paltry $100 million – one-time funding - is a slap in the face of nearly 70% of voters who approved it as the governor and Democratic legislative leaders are purposely starving law enforcement and probation from any real funding.
“But, Democrats scored a win for the struggling Bay Area Rapid Transit as it gets a $750 million bailout despite decreased ridership. Californians are sensitive to government waste, and this decision seems to be focused on pushing for more public transit rather than addressing current needs.
“Yes, a budget is passed, but it is far from a slam dunk, and yet again the governor and Democrats are out of touch with reality and the needs of Californians.”