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California Governor Jerry Brown proposed a $131.7 billion budget for the fiscal year 2018 to 2019. His proposal included setting aside $5 billion into the state’s Rainy Day Fund to prepare for the next recession.

In 2014, Californian’s approved the Rainy Day Budget Stabilization Fund Act. It requires 10% of general fund revenues to the Rainy Day Fund every year. Gov. Brown is proposing an additional $3.5 billion on top of the 10% required by the law.

Currently, the Rainy Day Fund has a total balance of $8.41 billion or 65% of the state’s target. The governor’s proposal means bringing the total Rainy Day Fund to $13.46 billion.

In his budget letter to the Legislature, Gov. Brown noted that California experienced ten recessions since World War II. He emphasized that the state “must prepare for the eleventh.” He added, “Yes, we have had some very good years and program spending has increased steadily. Let’s not blow it now.”

Speaking at the Capitol, the governor reiterated his belief that California will likely face another recession. He said it is important to build the Rainy Day Fund.

Gov. Brown wants to minimize the pain of the next recession

According to Gov. Brown, "We haven't hit that recession yet, but we will. It’s so important that we prepare for that recession. Not when it comes but years before. The only way we can prepare is to watch your spending each year and to build up the rainy day fund."

Additionally, the governor pointed out that fully funding the Rainy Day Fund is the key part of his budget proposal.

Furthermore, Gov. Brown said, "We have to be on our guard. It's not exciting, it's not funding good and nice things, but it's getting ready" for the next economic downturn.

Moreover, he said the state’s piggy bank or the Rainy Day Fund will be waiting for the next governor to manage. When a recession happens, his successor will be able to spend that money. He or she can prepare for different maneuvers to get through that recession.

Gov. Brown said, “The whole point is to think ahead and minimize the pain that is coming.”

Republicans share Gov. Brown’s concern

In response to the governor’s budget proposal, Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates, said, “I'm encouraged that the governor wants to add an additional $3.5 billion into the state's Rainy Day Fund.

“Republicans fought to establish the Rainy Day Fund and we share the governor's concerns about a return to deficit spending as even a mild recession could lead to painful decisions in the future… Senate Republicans stand ready to help the governor pass a fiscally responsible budget for all Californians,” she added.

On the other hand, State Senator Jim Nielsen, commented, “Republicans…applaud the governor for continuing this commitment to saving for future emergencies.”  Nielsen is the vice chairman of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee.