Local Assemblywoman Says Party Line Killed Her "Responsible Budgeting" Bill

The following was submitted for publication by the office of Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez:

Assemblywoman Melissa A. Melendez, R-Lake Elsinore, announced Wednesday her bill Assembly Bill 2456, to increase more accountability in budgeting, died in the Assembly Health Committee.

“It is disappointing to see my colleagues across the aisle playing party politics with responsible budgeting legislation,” said Melendez. “Requiring more accountability on how taxpayer’s dollars are spent should not be a partisan issue.”

AB 2456 would require Covered California to annually submit to the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office a complete and detailed performance-based budget so that it may be analyzed and included in the Governor’s Budget.

“The Legislature has a responsibility to ensure that the public has access to relevant and timely information regarding public programs,” Melendez said.“Unfortunately, there is no requirement in state law that mandates the annual budget and operations of Covered California to go through this process.”

Assembly Bill 2456 had no registered opposition and was supported by the National Federation of Independent Business and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. It died on 13 to 6 party line vote.

Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez represents the 67th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar and a portion of Hemet. It also includes the Riverside County unincorporated areas of Lake Mathews, Good Hope, Nuevo, and Winchester.