Sacramento – Board of Equalization Member George Runner issued the following statement in response to Governor Brown’s May Budget Revise:

“The governor is right to bolster our rainy day fund, as a recent report shows California isn’t ready for the next recession.

“Prioritizing education by freezing tuition rates will help ease the burden on students. Great schools and good jobs are the best way to help lift struggling Californians out of poverty.

“Yet the governor’s continued calls for higher taxes on cars and gas is downright disappointing. These tax hikes will hurt the very people we’re trying to help.

“Before our leaders ask for even more money, they need to explain why the tax dollars we already pay haven’t given us better schools and roads.

“California is collecting record revenues to the tune of $124 billion, and yet Californians continue to pay some of the highest taxes in the country.”

George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as an elected member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner. Office of BOE Member George Runner, 500 Capitol Mall, Suite 1750, Sacramento, CA 95814