The LAO report on Brown's budget proposal said the focus on keeping spending minimal and paying off debts is a sensible approach. Deputy Legislative Analyst Jason Sisney said it’s important to be cautious because much of the state’s increased revenue came from stock market gains.
“And the possibility that that will go away pretty soon, or in a year or two, are very high, so taking that money or a part of that money that we’re seeing now and setting it aside for a rainy day and paying down debts is a prudent thing to do.”
~Jason Sisney
Still, there are some areas of disagreement. The LAO questions using revenues from Cap and Trade auctions to pay for high speed rail. The office also raises some concerns about Brown’s proposals to fund higher education.
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