Lawmakers react to governor's address

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday spoke before the Legislature to encourage lawmakers to reach a speedy budget agreement.

Schwarzenegger's proposal includes borrowing $2 billion in property-tax revenue and taking $744 million in gasoline-tax money from local governments.

Here is how state lawmakers reacted to the governor's speech:

"There is no doubt that any solution will require spending cuts throughout state government. But the governor made it very clear that this problem will not be solved with cuts alone.

"The legislature must be willing to take on the special interest and their lobbyists to end the status quo in Sacramento.

"We need structural reforms that will save our state money and make government more efficient. I share the Governor's commitment to eliminate unnecessary boards and commissions and sell-off surplus state properties."
-- Assemblyman Anthony Adams, R-Claremont

"I agree with voters, who reaffirmed just two weeks ago that we cannot tax our way out of this budget deficit. In Tuesday's speech, the governor reiterated that Sacramento has received the voters' message.

"I was particularly pleased by the governor highlighting my competitive contracting bill. School districts are losing hundreds of millions of dollars because of restrictive rules on landscape maintenance, plumbing, and computer repair services."
-- Sen. John J. Benoit, R-Moreno Valley

"I don't think we learned very much (Tuesday morning). We have been examining and discussing the governor's May Revision and subsequent changes at great detail.

"I spent every minute that I was not on the floor (Monday), listening to teachers, child-care providers, parents and students. They dropped everything to come to Sacramento and tell us in 90 seconds how the cuts to education would hurt them. Their 90 second comments were much more powerful than the governor's message."
-- Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter, D-Rialto

"I agree with the governor that we must address the state's budget crisis immediately. That is why I propose halting all non-economic stimulus and non-budget related legislation so the Legislature can solely focus on strengthening our economy and fixing California's complex budget system.

"I stand ready to stop every piece of my legislative package and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
-- Assemblyman Bill Emmerson, R-Rancho Cucamonga

"I'm hopeful that we have an opportunity to reform California. The governor seems to understand that taxpayers don't have money trees in their backyards. As we reduce government, we need to work to change how California does business."
-- Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Diamond Bar

"I'm pleased the governor realizes that increasing taxes is no longer a viable option. However, I anticipate that we will see the majority party attempt to pass new fees and taxes on a majority vote."
-- Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries, R-Murrieta

"The Governor's address did not hold any surprises"
-- Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod, D-Montclair