SACRAMENTO, CA — This evening, Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) voted against California’s State Budget, a $355 billion record-high spending plan, citing concerns that it fails to adequately address the affordability crisis facing hardworking individuals and families across the state.
While opposing the overall budget, Gonzalez recognized the Legislature’s decision to protect In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), a program he has long fought to defend.
“Protecting IHSS is the right thing to do,” said Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez. “For many families, including my own, IHSS isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline, and I am grateful those cuts were ultimately rejected.”
However, Gonzalez said the broader budget still falls short of addressing the pressures Californians face every day.
“Families across my district and the state are living paycheck to paycheck, choosing between filling up their gas tanks, putting food on the table, or paying their bills,” Gonzalez said. “At a time when affordability should be our top priority, this budget increases costs on healthcare plans and businesses, continues funding for the high-speed rail, and fails to adequately support the implementation of Proposition 36.”
Gonzalez emphasized that his vote reflects a focus on priorities and fiscal responsibility.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about priorities and this body needs to get its priorities straight,” Gonzalez said. “My focus remains on putting people over politics, lowering costs for hardworking Californians, protecting essential services, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. Californians deserve so much better than what they’ve been getting for years.”
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