Chávez Wants to Avoid Tuition, Tax Increases in State Budget (Video)

Assemblyman Rocky Chávez of the 76th Assembly District spoke to Patch Friday about Governor Jerry Brown's proposed 2013-2014 budget and predicts Republicans will reach across the aisle to reach. 

"The Democratic supermajority has the ability to overide any vetoes or changes (of the governor)," he said. "I see the Republican Party working in alliance and possibly with more moderate democrats to make sure we maintain the promises … of not raising fees for college students, not going after any more taxes—in particular Prop 13, and that we make sure that we deal with the debt of the state."

On Thursday, his office released the following statement:

Assemblymember Rocky Chávez (R-Oceanside) announced today his reaction to Governor Brown’s proposed 2013-14 Budget.

“I commend the Executive branch for thinking outside the box and am encouraged by their willingness to explore creative solutions to California’s fiscal issues. As the former Chief Education Officer of a charter school, I have always felt local school districts should be able to decide how to use their funding. I am intrigued by the idea of the new education spending formula, but I need to see the details.

“While education must be our top priority, it is imperative that we focus on spending within our means and reducing our wall of debt. California has almost $35 billion in state debt and spends about 6% of its yearly budget simply paying it down. The elimination of our debt means more money to directly invest in our classrooms, ensuring our children receive a quality education.

“The key is to differentiate between what California needs and the means to get there. We need to have an educated society, and our children’s education should be the top priority. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Budget Committee to figure out how to align our needs with our financial reality.”

Rocky J. Chávez is a retired Marine Colonel, former City Councilman and former Acting Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs. He represents California’s 76th Assembly District, which includes Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside and Vista.