Jan. 14, 2009

Statement from Rep. Jaime Herrera on
governor’s State of the State address

“I applaud the governor’s promises to rebuild roads, balance the budget based on priorities, reform state government, protect our most vulnerable citizens, and create jobs. I agree that these are important priorities.

“Our budget and economic crises offer us an opportunity to reform our state government and spending habits. The governor said we never could have imagined the fiscal crisis we are in now. I disagree. Many Republicans, myself included, expressed concerns over our current budget that has a spending growth rate twice its revenue growth rate. It was inevitable our budget would someday face a large deficit.

“We must look back at what got us to this place. Not to cast blame, but to avoid a similar problem in the future. Plain and simple, it's time to commit to a more efficient state government and ensure responsible financial decisions are made. I look forward to being a part of this process and believe our state will emerge stronger for it in the future.”

Rep. Jaime Herrera, R-Ridgefield, represents the 18th Legislative District.

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For more information, contact: John Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758