Today, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) and Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-East Nicolaus) delivered the Republican response to the governor’s final State of the State address. Their remarks expose that the governor’s address was more of a campaign stump speech than a sharing with the people of California the unvarnished truth of the issues facing them.
California “is the single most expensive place to live in America,” said Sen. Jones. “Gas, groceries, utilities, you name it. Working California families just can’t keep up.”
“Our schools are broken. In English, in math and in science more than half of California students do not meet basic standards,” Jones continued. “They aren’t ready for college, they aren’t ready for the workforce, they’re not getting the education they so desperately need and are so definitely entitled to.”
Jones pointed out that all these issues are self-inflicted. Under the one-party rule that defines the Newsom era, not only has Newsom ignored the decline in the quality of life in California, but he has also doubled down on the reckless policies amplifying that erosion.
“Take a walk downtown in Gavin Newsom’s California and you’ll see businesses boarded, homeless defecating and getting high in plain sight, and drug dealers operating with impunity in the heart of once vibrant communities,” Jones stated. “He distorts the data and spreads misinformation to have you believe things are better now. Look around your own life. Look at your utility bill, your grocery costs, look at your community, your safety, your opportunity. Look at the cost and quality of your life here in California and ask yourself if they match up.”
For video of the full remarks by Sen. Jones and Asm. Gallagher, click HERE.