Alexandria, VA - Bob Williams, President of State Budget Solutions, released the following statement concerning Gov. Jerry Brown announcing nearly $1 billion in new state budget cuts. Gov. Brown's plan slashes spending on higher education and eliminates funding for free school-bus service. The cuts will also reduce funding for the UC and CSU systems.

"Gov. Brown's triggered reductions are the result of a last minute June budget deal and may now serve as political cover while Governor Jerry Brown begins his push for a round of income and sales tax increases. This sorry state of affairs is indicative of business-as-usual in California and provides a basis from which to examine the state's irresponsible budget practices as a whole.

California's current budget process relies heavily on the use of budget gimmicks, especially number shifting and projection altering that can create the illusion of a balanced budget. Due to Gov. Brown's failure to implement a reasonable, rational and responsible budgeting approach, the state will continue to dive deeper into the red.

State Budget Solutions urges Gov. Brown and all of the elected officials in California to create a real budget solution that is not based on gimmicks and illusions. California taxpayers deserve better from their government."