Senate Republican Leader Dave Cogdill, of Modesto, and Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, of Fresno, today issued the following joint statement:

“Now that the Governor has rejected the Democrat’s illegal and irresponsible budget, it’s time to move forward on the honest budget Californians deserve. While we continue to work on solving the entire budget problem, there’s no reason to delay the parts of the budget where the Legislature has found consensus. We should start by immediately enacting the $6 billion in budget solutions that have already been agreed upon by both Republicans and Democrats. This would be a responsible first step to avert the looming cash crisis and put Californians back to work.”

“Republicans continue to stand ready to work with the Governor and Democrats. Too much time has been wasted on schemes to make an end-run around Prop. 13 and the will of the voters. It’s time to adopt a fiscally responsible budget plan, which is what voters rightfully expect from their elected leaders.”