Community Commentary:

Last year Sacramento passed the largest one-time tax increase in the history of state government, an increase of more than $12 billion, yet more people are out of work and the budget problem is even worse.

To compound matters, under a dangerous proposal by the governor to create a new category of parole called “summary parole,” our safety could be at risk. Felons convicted of serious crimes would no longer be supervised by law enforcement while they are out on parole. Parolees who served time for such crimes as attacking public safety officers while on duty, recruiting gang members, committing auto theft or identity thieves would go free. We would have no idea where they are or if they are living up to the conditions of their parole, such as maintaining a job and staying off drugs.

As a husband and father, I am troubled that those convicted of certain types of sex offenses and stalking and those guilty of felony statutory rape will be allowed to slip through the cracks. Despite what some state bureaucrats may say, many felons pose a great risk to our community.

In addition, some Sacramento politicians propose releasing thousands of dangerous felons — including identity thieves and embezzlers — onto California streets in the name of necessary budget cuts.

We must keep in mind that our top priority is to keep our communities safe and free of any danger. It’s time for the Legislature to work across party lines to find more realistic ways to trim the budget. By cutting wasteful spending and getting our budget priorities straight, we can find significant savings without threatening public safety

Assemblyman VAN TRAN represents District 68.