SACRAMENTO – George Runner today issued the following statement in response to the Legislature’s approval of an on-time budget:

“Legislators can congratulate themselves on approving an on-time budget. Although this budget contains large spending increases, thankfully it does not raise taxes.

“What’s missing is the broad-based tax relief we need to spur jobs and stimulate growth across our entire economy.

“In addition, the Legislature missed yet another opportunity to defund the bullet train and eliminate the fire tax.

“The Governor should wield his veto pen aggressively to trim wasteful spending. We can and should do more to pay down debt and bolster our rainy day fund.”

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.