SACRAMENTO – George Runner today issued the following statement in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s State of the State address:

“Governor Brown provided a good executive summary of where California is now but with little direction for our future. He outlined many of California’s problems, but did not propose tangible solutions.

“I am pleased to hear Governor Brown’s continued calls for fiscal discipline. But just as saving money in a rainy day fund is an important way to prepare for future economic downturns, additional water storage is vital to ensuring California is equipped for future droughts. I am disappointed Governor Brown did not provide a plan to deal with our current water shortage.

“Governor Brown is a good cheerleader for California. The question is, will he stay strong when faced with a liberal Legislature that wants to increase government programs, taxes and regulations.”

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.