California Republican legislators returned to the Capitol Monday surrounded by a Democratic supermajority. Despite that, most Republicans said they don't feel like they're on the sidelines in the decision making process.
Republican Assembly member Jeff Gorell is also Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee. He said he sees an ally in Democratic Governor Jerry Brown if Brown continues to keep a tight control on spending.
"It's a challenge but I think Republicans still have a role," commented Gorell. "I think we have a role in many ways to support the Governor in the efforts that he hopefully will put forward in creating a budget that has tight fiscal restraint in it so we can get to the point where we're in the black again rather than in the red."
The Governor is scheduled to present his budget on Thursday.
Republicans also have their own agenda; they've introduced legislation that would freeze tuition for seven years at state colleges and universities. And they've introduced legislation that would set up a pilot program allowing students to earn a Bachelor's degree for ten thousand dollars.
