Central OC Times

On May 10, 2024, Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) released a statement regarding the Governor's May Revise for the State Budget. Dixon expressed concern over the lack of a sustainable path to zero deficit budgeting in the revision, highlighting the $27.6 billion deficit that still needs to be addressed.

"Today the Governor presented his May Revise, and it certainly did not offer a sustainable path to zero deficit budgeting. We still have a $27.6 billion deficit to address. There are tough decisions ahead," Dixon stated.

She criticized the approach of moving funds around, delaying funding, and cutting funds from vulnerable populations as mere "window dressing." She further pointed out that California's spending relies heavily on an unstable tax base.

"The reality is that California’s spending relies on a volatile tax base. High taxes and overregulation have driven tax paying residents and businesses out of the state," she explained.

Dixon emphasized that businesses are not contributing to the general fund at necessary levels because employees and their tax payments are leaving California. She drew a direct connection between this exodus and the ongoing deficit problem.

"Make no mistake: there is a direct connection to the deficit and former tax paying Californians now paying taxes in other states," she said.

The assemblymember concluded her statement by stressing that until California addresses its anti-business issues, it will continue grappling with deficits year after year.

"Until we fix California’s anti-business problem, we will continue to deal with deficits year after year. We need to improve the quality of life in California so all taxpayers stop taking their money elsewhere," Dixon urged.