Assemblyman Chuck DeVore made a big statement on the proposed California budget deal as state lawmakers worked into the night Saturday to come up with a plan to solve the projected $40-billion hole and stave off massive layoffs.

In practical terms it won’t halt the budget deal or even slow it down any, but symbolically DeVore sent a message when he resigned as chief Republican whip over what he terms the “$14-billion tax increase deal.”

No doubt this scores him political points in Sacramento where most Republicans have pledged to say no to any tax increases, but it certainly could also earn him some attention from voters outside Orange County who might consider his U.S. senate bid.

The state budget deal, shrouded in secrecy for months as the so-called Big 5 worked on it, started taking shape this week as some details were released.

Lawmakers appear to be taking about raising $14.2 billion by temporarily raising sales, income and gas taxes while doubling the vehicle license fees. There’s also about $15 billion in spending cuts in it, and there are plans to borrow $11 billion more.

Here’s a copy of the news release DeVore sent out Saturday evening:

Feb. 14, 2009, Sacramento, CA – California State Assemblyman Chuck DeVore resigned today as Chief Republican Whip due to his opposition to a massive tax increase deal brokered by Republican legislative leaders. DeVore said, “The St. Valentine’s Day deal to raise taxes on hardworking Californians will neither close the budget deficit nor control spending. I believe leadership thinks they are doing the right thing – but I cannot be a party to this agreement as I believe it will harm California.”

Excerpts of DeVore’s letter to Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines follow:

“…the recent agreement you negotiated to increase taxes in exchange for a spending limit will not likely accomplish the twin aims of deficit reduction and budget control that you seek.

“This proposed agreement also strikes at the heart of our longtime opposition to tax increases. Excessive taxation both harms the economy and robs hardworking Californians of a portion of their liberty. Placing our Caucus squarely in line with tax increases also demoralizes our supporters – people who were counting on us to hold the line.

“For these reasons, I believe it is appropriate for me to resign as Chief Republican Whip, effective immediately. I can no longer participate as a leader on a team that is preparing to make a fundamental mistake of colossal proportions. For the sake of California I hope I am wrong – however, I fear I am right and that this tax increase and budget deal will result in more harm to the Golden State than good.”

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