CAMARILLO – Tomorrow marks the first day of the fiscal year, but the state legislature and Governor Schwarzenegger have not yet agreed on a new state budget. Article IV of the State Constitution mandates the legislature pass a budget on June 15. But, two weeks later, the legislature is still flouting its constitutional obligation.

“It’s still shocking that year after year the status quo in Sacramento completely disregard constitutional deadlines,” stated Peter Foy, Chairman of AFP-California. “Legislators’ behavior reflects their lack of concern for the law and lack of respect for the fiscal health of this state.”

“Legislators plan to head home to their districts for the July 4th holiday weekend—instead of hammering out a budget deal,” stated David Spady, State Director of AFP-California. “In fact, for the past two weeks, legislators have been wasting time on frivolous debates over bills that have nothing to do with California’s fiscal crisis.”

In the last few weeks, the legislature has met to debate whether the state rock, serpentine, should be demoted (SB 624). They passed a resolution calling on the federal government to not renew a free trade agreement with the country of Colombia (AJR 27). They debated a resolution asking President Obama to investigate loud television commercials (AJR 43). And they discussed whether to fine party crashers $1,000 (AB 451).

“The term ‘fiddling while Rome burns’ certainly comes to mind when one considers the ridiculous ways legislators are spending their time and taxpayers’ money,” observed Foy. “The state faces a $20 billion deficit. This is a serious issue. On the list of countries with the highest probability of default, California is now number eight. Yet legislators continue to act as though they have all the time in the world, diminishing the significance of the problem the state faces.”

“California is the eighth largest economy in the world,” explained Spady. “Investors and businesses have to trust that the leaders of the state will make sound fiscal decisions that will impact billions of dollars of investment. Instead, state legislators have proven that they would rather debate frivolous matters—a frightening prospect for those who have staked a claim in California’s future. With billions of dollars at stake, no wonder businesses are fleeing from the unpredictable, irresponsible leadership in California.”

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP has more than 1 million members, including members in all 50 states, and 30 state chapters and affiliates. More than 60,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial investment in AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org