Jerry Brown hones budget message before hitting the road

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After days of keeping a low profile, Gov. Jerry Brown will road-test his budget message in Sacramento on Tuesday, then take his call for continued tax increases to cities across California.

Brown will speak to doctors at the California Medical Assn. on Tuesday morning, then meet with heads of the University of California and California State University systems and the chancellor of the state’s community colleges.

Brown plans to hold a series of public events throughout the state with teachers, public safety officials, and others concerned about reduced public spending if he is not able to extend billions in sales, vehicle and income taxes set to expire by July 1. Brown has said he wants voters to sign off on an extension of the levies, but he has failed to secure the necessary GOP support in the Legislature to put the measure before voters.

Brown spokesman Gil Duran said the governor’s schedule was still being finalized, but Brown has said he expects Riverside to be among his first destinations.

-- Anthony York in Sacramento