Green Party of California
   

Green Party response to Gov Schwarzenegger's cuts: 'Cynical manipulation of dedicated public servants... indifference to promoting visionary policies'

GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA NEWS RELEASE

SACRAMENTO (July 31, 2008) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision Thursday to cut jobs and salaries of state workers is a "cynical manipulation of those dedicated public servants who can least afford the loss of pay and jobs in the current economic crisis," according to a statement released by the Green Party of California Thursday.

The Greens chided the governor for not working toward a simple majority to approve a budget, and said it proves he is too close to the Republican Party in this state - at the expense of taxpayers, and public servants.

The statement, provided by Green Party member Paul Franklin, a Governing Board Member of the Live Oak School District in Santa Cruz, stated:

"Arnold Schwarzenegger's response to the budget impasse is a cynical manipulation of those dedicated public servants who can least afford the loss of pay and jobs in the current economic crisis. One of the consequences of this policy approach is the loss of intelligent and capable workers, as they move to other states or the private sector to meet their long-term needs for financial stability.

"Arnold's apparent indifference to promoting visionary policies, such as a simple majority to approve a budget, suggest that he is too beholden to the State legislature's minority party to make the hard decisions necessary to minimize this annual extortion ritual and insure a more stable economic future for State employees, agencies and the professional and social services that serve California's tax-paying residents."

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Contacts:
Susan King, Spokesperson, 415.823.5524,
Daniel Brezenoff, Spokesperson, 310.422.2211,
Dr. Bob Vizzard, Spokesperson, 916.206.8953,
Cres Vellucci, Press Secretary, 916.996.9170,

The Green Party of California
PO Box 2828
Sacramento, CA 95812
Phone: (916) 448-3437
Web: http://www.cagreens.org
EMail: