Assemblyman Scott Wilk

Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita

Assemblyman Scott Wilk responded to Gov. Brown’s 2013 State of the State address, saying he was encouraged by the tone of the speech but disappointed that the address lacked any real plans for promoting job growth. Wilk is looking forward to working across the aisle to ensure private sector job creation is once again a top priority in Sacramento.

“My number one priority is promoting private sector job growth. California has the smartest and hardest working people in the world. If Sacramento refocuses on fostering job growth, Californians will then earn a better living and there will be more revenue to invest in fundamental programs,” said Wilk.

Wilk also stated that although California’s budget is in better financial shape than in recent years, long-term fiscal solvency depends on exercising restraint. Wilk agreed with the Governor in resisting the call to overspend, stressing that the state must begin paying down the “wall of debt” accumulated over the last several budget cycles. Paying down debt could free up other general fund revenue.

“I am committed to partnering with the Governor to reduce the state’s massive debt obligations. If Gov. Brown addresses the debt, protects public education and continues to hold the line on spending, he will have an ally in me,” Wilk continued.

Wilk also encouraged his constituents to visit www.CABudgetFactCheck.com to learn more about the budget and submit their solutions for reducing spending and getting the state back on track.

Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R- Santa Clarita, represents the 38th Assembly District, which encompasses Simi Valley, the northern section of the San Fernando Valley and most of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Tom Torlakson

Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today issued the following statement regarding Gov. Brown’s State of the State Address:

“With today’s State of the State Address, as in his budget, Gov. Brown kept his promise to make school funding his top priority.

“While it will take years for our schools to recover what they have lost, I applaud the Governor for putting California on the path toward restoring the financial health of our schools. I also applaud the Governor’s focus on students with greater needs. The state is responsible for providing tools to each of our children for competing in the 21st century, and the playing field is inadequate and inequitable under our current system.

“We will be working with districts and stakeholders across the state to closely examine the Governor’s proposal to overhaul education finance. I also commit to bringing schools to the table as crucial partners in linking children to health services as California moves ahead with implementing federal healthcare laws.

“We need to also make sure that all students benefit from California’s recovery. Both early childhood and adult education programs, which have been cut severely in recent years, have a tremendous role to play in strengthening our economy, and I will be working to see they receive a fair share of state resources.

“With the worst of the financial crisis behind us, now our schools can focus on the critical work ahead: fully implementing the new Common Core State Standards.

“California must move forward now so that all children—no matter where they come from or where they live—receive a world-class education and graduate ready to contribute to the future of our state.”