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California State Government October 7, 2003 Election
Smart Voter

Balance the Budget

By Peter V. Ueberroth

Candidate for Recall of Gray Davis; State of California

This information is provided by the candidate
On my first day in office, I will call an emergency special session of the state legislature to address a deficit in next year's budget that is estimated between $8-10 billion. I will work to implement a "Taxpayers Bill of Rights" that will impose a spending cap on increases in the state budget. I will ask legislators to place a constitutional amendment on the March, 2004 primary ballot to ensure spending caps stay in place.
Today, California's budget is not healthy. It is predicted by many recognized experts that if the politicians keep spending like the past few years, we will continue to have dangerous deficits. This must be stopped immediately. We must only spend what we can afford, and start now to build a reserve for the future. Importantly, the budget deficit can be eliminated without raising taxes. Tax increases drive jobs out of California and would make our budget deficit problems worse.

  • Call for an emergency "special session" of the legislature to come up with solutions before the end of the year.

  • Call on the legislators to stop fundraising until the budget deficit is solved. This is important because they should not be distracted by special interests when they are doing the important work of the people.

  • Put Spending Caps on Sacramento. Had my plan to create a "Taxpayers' Bill of Rights" been in effect five years ago, California would have a budget surplus today. Spending caps will prevent politicians from spending more than California has earned, allowing increases in spending based only on population growth and the rate of inflation. My "Taxpayers Bill of Rights" will also set aside any extra money to:

1) pay off debt; 2) increase spending for education; and 3) create a reserve for future needs.

  • Attack waste and fraud throughout the budget

  • 5% Spending Reduction

  • Managing unused State Property Assets more effectively

  • Freeze new state hiring until our budget allows for new hiring

  • Review state employment contracts to identify areas that might be negotiated to save the state money while guaranteeing fair compensation for state workers.

  • Tax Amnesty in conjunction with the Federal Government

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ca/state Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 8, 2003 17:12
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