Hagman appalled by state budget

Assemblyman Curt Hagman has been in Sacramento for less than two months, but he said he is appalled after seeing state budget figures. Last week, Hagman made the following comments to the Daily Bulletin's Sandra Emerson following the passage of the budget.

"There's 30 some odd bills, but the major budget component to raising taxes. I don't think it is the right way to dealing with this right now.

"In the private sector ... everyone is taking a hit right now ... I think government should have taken a bigger hit.

"I've only been up here for six weeks, but I've been getting the numbers on the state's economy and I'm just appalled by what is happening.

"We are losing the wealthy in our state like crazy. We have more people leaving every day.

"I didn't see enough work toward those aspects to make this help the economy. The taxes are very regressive toward the progression of the economy.

"There are some reforms I did like in there, but the tax package -- it's the wrong time to do now.

"There's so much more we have to talk about and so much more we have to do to get the state going in the right direction and make it more competitive with neighboring states so we can attract and retain the private sector of growth.

"Over the last eight years, out of all of the new jobs created, the government has increased in itself. 85 percent of new jobs are government jobs.

We are the highest income tax in the nation now, so if you're a wealthy person and don't have to be in California you can go to Arizona and keep half your tax money."

Hagman is a Republican who represents the 60th District, which includes San Dimas, Diamond Bar, Walnut and Chino Hills.