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Late last night, the Legislature approved the 2026-27 State Budget. While I appreciate investments in priorities such as our public universities and support for financially distressed hospitals, I could not support a budget that fails to address the affordability crisis facing California families and businesses. Rather than focusing on fiscal discipline and meaningful relief, this budget continues to rely on higher taxes, fees, and government spending while leaving many of the state's underlying fiscal challenges unresolved.
This budget places additional burdens on Californians through policies that will increase health care costs, while continuing to ignore the state's massive unemployment insurance debt that is driving up costs for employers. It also expands spending on energy regulations and enforcement efforts despite California already having the highest gasoline prices in the nation. Instead of addressing the taxes, fees, regulatory mandates, and declining in-state refining capacity that contribute to higher fuel costs, the budget funds new programs and oversight structures that are likely to increase costs even further. Families who are struggling to afford their commute, groceries, and everyday necessities deserve relief at the pump, not more Sacramento mandates.
The Legislature should have done more to fully implement Proposition 36, strengthening public safety, and to address the cost-of-living challenges facing working families. Californians deserve a budget that prioritizes affordability and core government services. Unfortunately, this budget falls short, and I will continue fighting for policies that lower costs and improve public safety.