Roger Niello is a former Republican California State Assemblyman. He says Brown's plan to impose higher taxes as the state is just beginning to see new growth isn't the way to go.

"I do personally see a very recognizable increase in the economy and I would hesitate to approve a significant tax increase as we see how that plays out."

But others say waiting for economic growth isn't aggressive enough. Jean Ross heads a group that advocates for middle and low income people called the California Budget Project. 

"Anyone who puts forward that approach is very unrealistic. The best message that the governor put forward really is that we are at the point where we need to tackle our problems head on."

Brown is pushing for a November ballot initiative on taxes.