Sacramento, California - State Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia released the following statement on Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.’s 2015-2016 budget proposal:

“While advocating for fiscal constraint, the Governor’s budget still lays out a core policy agenda for the people of California,” said Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), who chairs the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy. “Realignment of the state’s education, training, and workforce development systems is important to continued economic growth of the state.  I am committed to examining better ways to engage with businesses about their future workforce and helping people gain the skills necessary to be competitive and economically prosperous.”

Workforce and education are clear priorities for the Governor’s 2015-2016 budget. With the state’s continuing economic growth, Proposition 98 requires an additional $8 billion in new money for K-12 and community colleges. The Governor’s budget proposal also lays out a comprehensive $1.2 billion program to support a coordinated framework for adult education, career technical education, workforce investment, and apprenticeships. In addition, each of the university systems (California State University and the University of California) will receive $762 million, based on the passage of Proposition 30. The increased university funding, however, is contingent upon the systems retaining current tuition rates.

“In final, I am also pleased that the Governor has included a 2030 climate goal in this year’s budget proposal. I look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature on the issue of increasing the state’s share of renewable energy in a manner that maintains the affordability and grid reliability,” said Garcia.

The Governor’s proposed budget will next be reviewed by the Assembly Budget Committee on January 15, 2015.