By Patricia Bates in The Orange County Register

January 24, 2016

This promises to be a pivotal year for taxpayers. With special interests and their allies gearing up to push for tax increases at the November ballot box, we will see whether Californians have had enough or will give the green light for more spending. Gov. Jerry Brown’s 2016-17 budget plan sets a record for spending while reflecting a modest, yet uneven, economic recovery. It should be clear that raising taxes is not necessary.

I give the governor credit for having a dose of fiscal responsibility in his budget. I am encouraged that he has heeded Republican priorities to protect education opportunities for students, pay down debt and build the state’s Rainy Day Fund. We must continue to do these things to ensure that California has a bright future.

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