Governor Brown says the plan approved by the Democratic majority was legally questionable and didn't meet the needs of the state. He acknowledges the veto was highly unusual:
Brown: "For the first time in history, the state budget has been vetoed. That's big, and it sends a powerful message that all of us have to do more."
To Brown, that means adopting his budget proposal, which
includes extending a series of tax increases. That requires
Republican votes, which after about six months of talks, the
Governor's been unable to secure. Brown says the only
alternative to his plan is deep cuts - and he's taking aim at GOP
lawmakers for their rejection of taxes:
Brown: "If the people want to say no - if they don't
really want to take the steps needed to protect public safety, to
bring government closer to the people and protect their schools,
then that's on their conscience."
Not so, says Republican Assemblyman Jim Nielsen:
Nielsen: "I believe it's the governor's responsibility,
because he's taken the position that it's his budget or no
budget."
The plan Brown vetoed would have put off payments to schools,
cut funding for courts and universities and put new fees in
place. The Democrats who crafted it were taken aback by the
Governor's rejection:
Steinberg: "We are deeply dismayed by the Governor's
decision."
That's Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg:
Steinberg: "The Governor I think is really getting caught
up and frankly a little bit confused between total victory, which
in this process cannot be achieved in most instances in one year,
and progress."
The Governor says he'll keep negotiating with Republicans and
insists he can come up with something better. He has two
weeks before the new fiscal year begins to make good on that
promise.