CA's Budget Deficit

SF EXAMINER PUBLISHED AN ABBREVIATED VERSION OF THIS LETTER TODAY EDITOR To balance the $20 billion budget deficit California must adopt responsible fiscal policies that include: An end to spending that exceeds inflation and population; reform of unsustainable defined benefits for 240,000 state workers, and change in regulations that drive out businesses, jobs-- and tax revenues. California also must audit its 500 departments, agencies and commissions, and the use of 22, 272 state properties.(Yes- 22,272!!!) Why do Community Colleges offer free continuing education classes that include ballroom dancing. It also must reform Assistance for Needy Families. California has 12% of the U.S. population but 36 percent of the nation's welfare recipients. The state also is ranked worst to do business of the fifty states and has some of the highest taxes in America. Increasing taxes during a recession is economic lunacy- they will will cause more businesses to leave and take jobs and tax revenues with them. MIKE DENUNZIO CHAIRMAN S.F REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY