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Lawmakers React to Brown's Inaugural Speech

Photo used under Creative Commons from Andy Patterson / Modern Relics
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/modernrelics/4461010654/

In his inaugural address, Governor Jerry Brown touched on some themes that could bring the California legislature together. But, as Katie Orr reports from Sacramento, there were also signs of partisan divide.

Brown’s wide-ranging speech hit on everything from schools, to prisons to pensions. Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins says it will set the tone for the year.

Atkins: “I think a lot of what the governor had to say really tells us where we are and sets the foundation. To have paid off the debt that we have paid off, to focus on the Affordable Care Act, pensions, infrastructure are the things we’re going to be grappling with this year.”

Atkins says some new spending is needed. But she agrees it must be done in a careful way.

Assembly minority leader Kristin Olsen says her caucus is ready to support policies that will improve California’s fiscal health. But she says she is disappointed Brown is still backing projects like High Speed Rail.

Olsen: “Californians need good jobs and great schools. And in the meantime he’s focused on policies that aren’t delivering on those needs.”

Brown will present his annual budget later this week.

sots2015.mp3
Listen to Governor Brown's complete speech

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