GEORGE RUNNER, Board of Equalization (represents SCV)

George Runner today issued the following statement in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s State of the State address:

“Governor Brown provided a good executive summary of where California is now but with little direction for our future. He outlined many of California’s problems, but did not propose tangible solutions.

“I am pleased to hear Governor Brown’s continued calls for fiscal discipline. But just as saving money in a rainy day fund is an important way to prepare for future economic downturns, additional water storage is vital to ensuring California is equipped for future droughts. I am disappointed Governor Brown did not provide a plan to deal with our current water shortage.

“Governor Brown is a good cheerleader for California. The question is, will he stay strong when faced with a liberal Legislature that wants to increase government programs, taxes and regulations.”

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

SCOTT WILK, Assembly Member (38th)

Assemblyman Scott Wilk

Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, responded to Governor Jerry Brown’s 2014 State of the State address:

TOM TORLAKSON, State Schools Chief

Tom Torlakson

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

“As Governor Brown made clear, California is poised for a tremendous leap forward, and nowhere is that more the case than in public education. The Local Control Funding Formula is by its nature a major victory for our students and their schools. It pushes decision-making closer to those students and their parents. It measures outcomes instead of whether the right dollars were put into the right categorical boxes.

“It’s an exciting time for education, from the new Common Core standards to modern assessments, from expanded access to education for our youngest learners to college and career readiness for our graduates.

“I visit schools across the state. I see students hard at work. I see the teachers who do so much more than teach—who guide and inspire. I see principals and administrators who provide so much of the foundation for what happens in the classroom. And I know that Governor Brown’s confidence in these educators as we move forward together is well-placed.”

JEROME HORTON, Chair, Board of Equalization

Board of Equalization (BOE) Chairman Jerome E. Horton issued the following statement on Governor Brown’s State of the State address.

“California is finally emerging from its economic drought. The governor is right. Our attention must now be given to our thirsty state, and ways to manage and fairly distribute water to all parts of California.

“Improvements in transportation should also be a priority, as well as paying down our debt.

“It is gratifying to hear Governor Brown say he will be moving the state forward with regard to education, directing needed funds to the students who need it most — our children in the poorest neighborhoods.”