No Budget in Sight, Democrats Try to Land a Rhetorical Punch

Meet the Expendables

(BERKELEY, CA) Assemblymember Nancy Skinner was joined today by the stars of a new video, the “Faces Behind the Governor’s Cuts,” her East Bay constituents who stand to lose their job, their independence, or their ability to go to work if the Governor’s proposed budget cuts prevail.

Premiering today, “Faces Behind the Governor’s Cuts”, presents real people directly at risk by the Governor’s plan to eliminate childcare, close senior programs, and make deep cuts to vital services.

Following this weekend’s opening of Schwarzenegger’s blockbuster film (Actually, the film is directed by and stars Sylvester Stallone and the GOP governor’s name is not one of the first 12 on the credits) about mercenaries whose motto is “If the money’s right we don’t care what the job is,” preschool teacher Sandy Farmer said, “Schwarzenegger’s not applying this motto to the Californians who need him, with his budget our programs don’t get money and we lose jobs.”

Skinner, a member of the Legislature’s Budget Conference Committee, discussed why she supports the budget adopted by the Conference Committee more than a week ago. “Our budget makes responsible cuts but is crafted so that people aren’t put out of work or put in harm’s way,” said Skinner.

By combining spending reductions with new revenue such as an oil severance fee, the Conference Committee budget retains the jobs and programs that those featured in the film: an adult day health care provider, a home care worker and client, a mother and her preschool child, and a preschool teacher, rely on every day.

The Legislative Conference Committee adopted a balanced budget on August 4, yet the Governor is refusing even to consider any of the Committee’s revenue solutions, and instead is holding out for $4 billion in additional cuts.

Wheelchair bound Michelle Rousey, with Assemblymember Skinner at today’s event, said “If I lose my attendant I will end up in a hospital or nursing home. It is a harsh and deadly proposal to eliminate vital services that disabled persons like myself depend on.”

“I hope the Governor takes the time to watch our movie,” said Assemblymember Skinner. “No Californian is expendable. People are hurting enough, our budget choices don’t have to make it worse.”