Department of Finance
915 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-3878

Department of Finance

January 10, 2002

Dear Governor:

As Director of Finance, it is with pleasure that I submit to you the 2002-03 Governor's Budget.

Your prior budgets outlined your vision for best serving the people of California during times of an expanding economy and growing tax revenues. In this budget, you've responded to a different, and tougher, challenge - protecting the public interest in a more difficult fiscal climate.

Consequently, this Budget reflects the difficult decisions to trim spending so as to ensure that the State lives within its means. But it also reflects your longstanding commitment to improving public education as your top priority, protects the public safety, provides for the continued expansion of children's health care coverage, and includes continuing tax relief.

I wish to express my continuing admiration for the staff of the Department of Finance and my gratitude for their families' patience. This Budget is the product of many long hours. Through its development, their conscientious dedication to the interests of the people of this State is unwavering. It is a privilege to work with them.

I look forward to working with you to make 2002 another year of great accomplishment for the people of California.

Sincerely,

B.TIMOTHY GAGE
Director