Governor Jerry Brown gave his Annual State of the State Address on Thursday.
The governor applauded voters for passing Proposition 30 but also warned that the state needs to be thoughtful about spending.
Opening with promises of fiscal responsibility and closing with ideas of grand improvement projects, Governor Brown sold the Democrat-led legislature on his visions for the future. "California is back, its budget is balanced, and we're on the move. Lets get it done," said Brown.
In 2013, Brown says construction will begin on the controversial high-speed rail project, with the first leg going from Madera County to Bakersfield. "Yes it's bold, but so is everything about California. Electrified trains are part of the future," said Brown.
Republican Assemblyman Jim Patterson is skeptical, saying the timing is wrong, given the state's money trouble. "A huge price tag. It is going to be entirely paid for with borrowed money and it does, I think, set the state up for more fiscal woes," said Patterson.
Another expensive project that impacts the Central Valley is two proposed 30 mile tunnels under the delta. The 14 billion dollar tunnels would deliver water to farmland. Democrat Assemblyman Henry Perea is a supporter. "Finding better ways to move water around our state must be one of our top priorities. Also making sure our rural communities have funds to bring clean drinking water to every neighborhood," said Perea.
Republican Assembly Leader, Connie Conway, applauds Brown for a State of the State that attempted to appease both sides. "Maybe we can have a year where it's not such a partisan divide, but I think there'll be an issues divide," said Conway.
This was Governor Brown's third State of the State since taking office in 2010.
