Author: Assemblyman Cameron Smyth

Two weeks ago the Legislature completed the traditional “House of Origin” deadline where literally hundreds of bills are voted on over a 5 day period. It amazes me that in a time where our focus should be on solving California’s budget mess and with a deficit of $24 Billion the Assembly passed nearly 200 bills that increase state spending.

While some of the bills passed were needed and I was willing to support, several stood out as especially unnecessary. I have compiled my version of a “Top Ten” (or bottom ten to be more exact), highlighting the worst of the worst.

10) SB 95 doubles the amount of bond a used car dealer must hold in order to do business in California. I believe that this is especially wrong at a time when auto dealers have been decimated by the economic downturn and these increased costs will be passed along to consumers.

Well, here we are again — It’s mid August and the legislature still doesn’t have a budget. In fact, we have yet to even VOTE on a proposal. The democrat majority wants to be credited for proposing a budget; however they seem unwilling to have a debate or vote. Why?? I am fairly certain that, not only will all Republicans oppose it, but also not even every Democrat will support it.

I am continually amazed that there are those in Sacramento who think we can tax our way out of this financial crisis. It is no secret that California’s economy is in a decline. Families are paying more and more for gas and groceries while their house payments go up and their home values go down. Our state’s unemployment rate has risen to 6.9 percent, the highest level in more than a decade, and businesses are leaving for other states.

It’s time we take immediate action to improve California’s business climate, attract businesses and create jobs. Passing a responsible budget with long-term structural reforms along with a "rainy day" fund is a solid first step.