Assemblymember Philip Y. Ting (D-San Francisco) released this statement regarding the State budget agreement announced today.
“The Legislative Conference Committee and Governor Brown came to terms on a balanced budget that reflects the priorities of the majority of Californians. Most notable is increased funding for education. All K-12, community colleges and career tech education will benefit under this budget, and schools with a large percentage of English learners and low-income students will receive even more help. Also, at the UC/CSU level, the implementation of unprecedented tuition relief through scholarships for the middle class will begin with this budget.
Mental health funding is being partially restored, dental care for three million low-income Californians will again be provided, and there is funding in this budget for additional, badly-needed child care slots. Some funding is also being reinstated for California’s welfare to work program and the Judicial Branch.
At the end of the day, the budget process represented good government at work. With little drama and lots of compromise, California will face the new fiscal year in fine shape, with a promise to do more if fiscally feasible. I hope this is just the beginning of what the state can accomplish to restore the safety net, rebuild our education system to meet the needs of tomorrow’s employers and create new jobs.”
Assemblymember Ting is the Chair of Assembly Democratic Caucus and the Assembly Select Committee on Asia/California Trade and Investment Promotion, and he serves on the Budget, Business, Professions and Consumer Protection, Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials and the Revenue and Taxation committees.