Hello! Thank you for taking the time to visit MikeVillines.org. On this site, you can find out about my role as Assembly Republican Leader and the issues I am fighting for in the California State Assembly. As a husband and father of three, I know the issues important to many Central Valley families, such as clean air, good schools, less crime and low taxes. I want to ensure these issues are at the forefront of the debate at the State Capitol. Feel free to click around, and read more about me and find out where I stand on the issues important to you and your family.

Issue: California's State Budget Crisis

Raising Taxes Will Not Solve California’s Budget Problems

Lawmakers returned to Sacramento this month facing the undeniable reality of a $14 billion state budget deficit.  We cannot ignore the inevitable any longer.  Democrats and Republicans must summon the courage to make the tough but necessary decisions to reduce spending to save our state from a financial meltdown and to actually live within our means.

California stands at the brink of bankruptcy for one simple reason – the liberal Democrat majority has been spending way too much, for too many years.  While we have experienced a downturn in the housing market and a slowing economy, that is not the cause of our problems.  In fact, over the past four years, tax revenue grew by 40 percent or nearly $29 billion.  {read more}

>> More information on the State Budget

Issue: Government Reform

It’s Time To Reform State Government

Now that I am entering my fourth year representing the people of the Central Valley in Sacramento, one thing has become very clear during my time in the Assembly – there is a dire need to reform government.

The Legislature today is dysfunctional. Democrats, who have a majority in the Assembly and Senate, operate with an iron fist, ramming through their bills on party-line votes, while killing measures authored by Republicans with little debate. The committees are so out-of-balance that it is nearly impossible to reach bipartisan consensus. You need to look no further than the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which is made up of 11 Democrats and only 5 Republicans.   {read more}

>> More information on Government Reform

Issue: Prison Reform

Bipartisan Reforms Will Increase Prison Capacity, Protect California Families

California’s prison system is dangerously overcrowded and on the verge of collapse

Demanding solutions to prison problems that have only grown worse over the years, federal courts have now threatened to take control over the entire prison system. To avoid this nightmare scenario, California must clearly demonstrate that we have a responsible plan to solve these severe problems and the necessary financing in place to satisfy the concerns of the courts.   {read more}

>> More information on Prison Reform

Issue: Health Care Reform

There They Go Again on Higher Taxes and Bigger Government

During a debate with Jimmy Carter, after listening to him repeat the same campaign rhetoric and empty promises several times over, Ronald Reagan had had enough, famously turning to the incumbent and saying, “There you go again!”

After listening to Democrats in the Assembly and Senate talk about their solutions to California’s health care challenges, I feel just like Ronald Reagan, tempted to turn to the Democrat leaders and say, “There you go again!”   {read more}

>> More information on Health Care Reform

Issue: Legislative Redistricting

The Time Is Now For Redistricting Reform

As the legislative calendar comes to an end we must not lose sight of the tremendous opportunity before us. It’s time for Republicans and Democrats to rise to the occasion and come together to craft bipartisan redistricting reforms to restore the voice of the people to their government.

From the moment we began this year’s legislative session, Governor Schwarzenegger and the Republican and Democrat leaders in both houses of the Legislature have each publicly stated their desire to pass redistricting reforms this year. The time to act is now since the Legislature is set to adjourn next month.  {read more}

>> More information on Legislative Redistricting