SACRAMENTO – Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) and Asm Budget Chair Bob Blumenfield  (D-San Fernando Valley) released the following statement today regarding the Department of Parks and Recreation:

"Today's reports of improprieties at the Department of Parks and Recreation are deeply disturbing. The allegations of the Department hoarding $54 million during the worst fiscal crisis in generations, the obfuscation necessary to conceal those funds , and the pervasive flouting of state personnel laws are unacceptable, and we must get to the bottom of what has occurred and what changes are needed. The people of California are entitled to know exactly how this situation has been allowed to fester. The Governor has acted swiftly and appropriately to remove officials who have either participated in, or allowed, these transgressions to occur. We are determined to get to the bottom of these deeply troubling questions, and to that end, the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Oversight has begun the process of preparing oversight hearings, which will be held at the beginning of August. Not only will the hearings get to the bottom of the $54 million hidden parks funds, but will also review how all funds are monitored to ensure this remains an isolated incident and that the Legislature and the public are not kept in the dark."

Website of Speaker John A. Pérez: www.asmdc.org/speaker

CONTACT: John Vigna (916) 319-2408