NFIB/California Issues Statement on Special Session Called by Gov. Schwarzenegger

CONTACT: Michelle Orrock, 916-448-9904

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The National Federation of Independent Business/California issued the following statement today in response to the special session of the Legislature being called by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to deal with California's budget crisis:

"It was a bittersweet moment to hear the governor call for a special session to deal with California's rapidly deteriorating fiscal crisis," said John Kabateck, NFIB/California executive director. "With unemployment at record highs and a continuing financial crisis, this is absolutely the worst possible time for our state leaders to heap new, burdensome costs upon those who are working hard to create jobs that stimulate the economy. The budget crisis must be dealt with by cutting more government waste and spending our precious tax dollars more prudently, much like any business does during difficult times.

"Increasing taxes on California small businesses will force them to continue shedding jobs, deepening the problems facing our families and the state budget. As the adage goes, 'the first rule to getting out of a hole is to stop digging.'"