Opinion: Assembly Majority Floor Leader Chris Holden on California’s 2016-17 Budget

Governor Brown’s proposed 2016-17 Budget, released yesterday, begins legislative efforts to keep California’s finances on track while continuing to invest in our future. I believe investments in our infrastructure, education, and healthcare system are critical to a thriving California.

Access to higher education remains a top priority for me. Thankfully, the nearly $300 million in new higher education funds in this year’s budget ensures California college students will not face tuition increases for the fifth consecutive year. Additionally, the proposed 4.4% increase in funding for California’s Community Colleges means more high school students can immediately access college level courses provided by my concurrent enrollment bill, AB 288.

California’s transportation infrastructure is in a state of distress. The average California car owner pays $762 in vehicle repair costs each year due to the poor state of roads in the state.
These terrible road conditions contribute to air pollution as well. I believe Governor Brown’s plan will get the transportation conversation moving in the right direction.

The Governor’s proposed reforms would provide additional sustainability for the Medi-Cal program, restore the seven percent reduction to the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, and ensure developmental disabilities funding. The fastest way to provide additional funding for disabilities services would be through an increase in the Managed Care Organization tax.

Our last few budgets have shown we can be fiscally responsible while meeting the needs of the people of California. I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues in the legislature to pass a final budget.