"I congratulate both the Senate and the Assembly on passing a positive budget for California's six million school children. Given this difficult budget year, all Californians understood that sacrifices were necessary. Education was no exception. And while our schools took unfortunate cuts and reductions, I firmly believe that this is the best budget possible from this divided Legislature. I urge and expect the Governor to sign this budget as soon as possible.

"As a result of today's vote, I will not be filing my lawsuit to lower the budget threshold from two-thirds to a majority. However, I have said from the beginning and remain convinced that the people of California would have been better served with modest revenue enhancement rather than relying on speculative bond financing.

"But as a result of the undemocratic two-thirds requirement to pass a budget and tax increase, the people of California suffer in the long run. Therefore, I recommend and will campaign vigorously to lower the threshold to 55 percent in an upcoming statewide election."