Gov. Brown optimistic about California's future

Gov. Jerry Brown gives his State of the State address at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2013. / AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

SACRAMENTO, Calif. Cheering a California rebound, Gov. Jerry Brown says voter-approved tax increases have put the state on sound financial footing but warns lawmakers that they must be tight-fisted with the government purse strings.

The Democratic governor delivered his third State of the State address Thursday since reclaiming the governor's office. He did so just months after voters approved his Proposition 30, which raised sales and income taxes temporarily.

• Court blocks Calif. law banning gay therapy
• California set to auction off pollution permits
• Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown: Prop 30 a "tough battle"

His speech was filled with the rhetorical gems and historical references that are hallmarks of his addresses, but it did not break new ground.

The main topics Brown addressed — reform of K-12 education funding, the need for the higher education systems to hold down costs, promotion of high-speed rail and water tunnels under the delta — have been addressed previously, including in his budget proposal.

Brown mostly used his speech to congratulate voters and lawmakers for having an optimistic vision of California. The state, he said, "has once again confounded our critics."

[taylorsucram]

Donnie, Donnie, get a clue. California's economy is the eighth largest economy in the world if the states of the U.S. were compared with other countries. As of 2010, the gross state product (GSP) is about $1.9 trillion, which is 13.06% of the United States gross domestic product.

The rest of the United States wishes they were like California! We lead while other states follow (well, those states with a normal average IQ).