What a fortunate person I have been.

I grew up in a California that rose to the front ranks of the global economy because we invested in our people, their knowl edge and their skills. We built the best public schools the best community colle ges, state colleges, universities in the world. We had a transportation system t hat was the envy of the world. And I grew up in a California where we gave hard working middle class families a chance, an opportunity. The promise of this stat e has always been that if you work hard, you play by the rules; you can climb th e ladder of success. The promise of California has always been, that if we inves ted in everyones future, wed all be richer and stronger. Now, tonight were going to have a great debate but I have to say from the start, governor Schwarzenegger a nd I have a different vision of what will make the people and this state stronge r. I dont believe protecting tax breaks for the rich and powerful and giving more and more special interest giveaways to corporations is whats going to build Cali fornia. We became the wealthiest place on earth because we invested in our peopl e and over the last three years, instead of looking forward, investing in our sc hools, helping more young people go to college, we havent made progress. Sadly wh ile governor Schwarzenegger promised to balance the budget, he submitted three d evnces budgets in a row. He cut education, he increased college tuition fees, h e cut financial aid. I believe we can do better. Look, we are the wealthiest soc iety on earth, were the 6th largest economy, were the frontier of the American dr eam. Were going to be the best California if we take the high road to prosperity. The best educated workers, the best environment in the world; and Ill tell you t hat starts with a balanced budget. So, Ive said very clearly when Im governor come January 2007 if the people elect me I am going to submit a balanced budget. Im g oing to make the government more efficient just like Ive cut the treasures off th e staff by 9%. Im going to close corporate tax loop holes, Im going to balance our budget so we quit loading debts on our kids and we invest in the future. I have a plan to fully fund our schools, give a tax break to middle class families. Pe ople making under $100 000 a year. I want to cut tuition and fees to where they were before governor Schwarzenegger took office, I want to build the economy of the future so we can lead the global economy of the 21st century.