Statement of Courtni Pugh, Executive Director, SEIU California State Council

“Today, the Governor used a sharp blue pencil to poke California’s most vulnerable citizens in the eye. The heartless and unnecessary line item cuts to struggling families and vulnerable seniors show how he would use the unilateral authority he’s asking voters to give him next year: poorly.

“At a time when the economy is sinking and more and more families need help, the Governor pulls the rug out from underneath them.

“This final flourish of disregard for the people of California reflects the Governor’s entire approach to the budget all year. School children, families that need healthcare, seniors and children who are suffering from abuse, and many other vulnerable Californians have been his targets. Not once did he propose that oil companies or his wealthy friends pay their fair share.

“We don’t believe the people of California support balancing the budget entirely on the backs of hard-working and needy families. Next year, as we decide whether to give the Governor unilateral cutting authority, voters will have the final say.”