Governor Brown Defends California

“California is on the mend,” Governor Jerry Brown said about the state of the golden state.

In his annual address before state lawmakers, Brown addressed California’s problems.

“California has problems, but rumors of its demise are greatly exaggerated,” Brown said.

The governor pushed for temporary tax increases on the wealthy and the state sales tax, saying they’re the best options to end the cycle of budget deficits and cutbacks.

“In a world still reeling from the near collapse of the financial system, it makes no sense to spend more than we have,” Brown said.

Brown also talked about the state’s schools.

“What most needs to be avoided is concentrating more and more decision making at the federal or state level,” he added.

He also discussed where he thinks the power should lie.

“For better or worse, we depend on elected school boards and the principals and teachers they hire,” Brown said.

The GOP response: a pre-taped video appearing online more than 16 hours before Brown’s speech.

“I didn’t know you were psychics,” Brown joked.

Republicans shot down the governor’s tax plans, slamming him for telling Californians the “sky will fall” without higher taxes.

“They propose growing government spending by 7% next year. Democrats want to raise our taxes, not protect schools. But actually to grow government,” Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway said.

The GOP said Brown’s vision centers around one thing: higher taxes.

“It all comes down to a question of priorities. Our priorities are the priorities of California’s working families,” Conway said.

The governor estimates his plan would raise almost $7 billion a year in revenue. Now that the speeches are over, the battle over the budget and taxes can begin.