Senate Leader Atkins on Legislative Analyst’s Office Economic Forecast: We Can Protect our Progress

November 16, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement today regarding the Legislative Analyst’s Office report on California’s fiscal outlook for 2023-24:

“The Legislative Analyst’s Office report indicates that California faces challenging times ahead. In the past, tough forecasts like this would have meant painful program cuts and middle class tax increases – things that actually cause more economic harm. That does not have to be the case this year, however.

“Over the past decade, California Democrats have turned our state’s fiscal condition around and made responsible budgeting our top priority. We built our reserves to record highs, paid down debts, and avoided committing one-time resources to ongoing purposes, while also making historic progress with new commitments that strengthen the middle class, assist struggling Californians, and fight climate change.

“Thanks to our responsible approach, we are confident that we can protect our progress and craft a state budget without ongoing cuts to schools and other core programs or taxing middle class families. The bottom line is simple: we are prepared to hold onto the gains we’ve made and continue where we left off once our economy and revenues rebound.”

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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins