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

“The Governor struck a conservative tone today when he spoke of fiscal discipline, local control and regulatory reform.

“But the challenge before California remains the same: growing private sector jobs. If we want to solve our long-term budget problems, we need more taxpayers, not less.

“Despite some job gains, California’s unemployment rate remains among the highest in the nation—many California counties still have double-digit unemployment rates ranging as high as 25%.

“Many entrepreneurs, small business owners and even athletes are considering leaving our state due to rising taxes.

“And while certain government-favored industries are growing, most job creators are struggling to survive under a growing weight of new regulations, taxes and fees.

“It’s far too early to celebrate California’s recovery. Millions have yet to experience it.”

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.