SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) released the following statement Jan. 5 in response to Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed 2012-2013 California State Budget:
“Today’s early budget release was unexpected, but the cuts contained in it are no surprise. The signs of economic recovery are optimistic, but we still face difficult choices.
“I remain concerned about the deep cuts to safety net programs that support people suffering job loss, disabilities, and poor health. Over $2 billion in cuts to CalWORKS and Medi-Cal programs will only hurt the poorest among us, specifically women, children and the elderly.
“An additional $302 million from CalGrant scholarships targets our young people at a time when education costs are soaring.
“We must have an honest revenue discussion to address ongoing structural deficits in order to protect the most vulnerable from future cuts.”