SEIU is pleased to see that the Conference Committee has passed a realistic budget of shared sacrifice, a compromise budget that limits the depth and damage of the cuts by raising additional revenue. This approach will protect California’s economic competitiveness, our families, and our communities.

We are, however, concerned about the lack of political progress and the continuing political gridlock. Democrats and Republicans need to work together and compromise. With a 2/3 vote requirement, both Democrats, who oppose cuts, and Republicans, who oppose taxes, have to compromise. When our elected leaders don’t work together and compromise, we all pay the price.

The budget approved by the Conference Committee is moving in the right direction, but now every legislator needs to be part of the solution: working together – and working out a compromise that will protect California’s economy and families.