Local lawmakers Wednesday praised Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for his efforts to create jobs in a down economy during his final State of the State address, where he also addressed education reform and the obstacles in passing a balanced state budget.

"The Governor hit the nail on the head when he said job creation is California's number one priority," said California state Senator George Runner, R-Lancaster, in a statement. "Unfortunately, he rests too much hope on creating ‘green' jobs, which do nothing to help the majority of employers or the unemployed. He should focus more on removing the burdensome hurdles created by government."

Creating jobs
The top priority in the coming year is to create jobs, the governor said.

He outlined a plan to train 140,000 workers and create 100,000 jobs in a state that is facing an unemployment rate of greater than 12 percent.

Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, R-Santa Clarita, agreed.

"I agree with him that putting California jobs first must be a top priority, and that government should promote reinvestment, not impede progress," Smyth said. "We must embrace reform, demand accountability, and operate transparently as we do the work of the people."

Schwarzenegger outlined several additional proposals he will introduce this year in hopes of promoting economic growth.

He wants to streamline the permitting for construction projects to get them on track sooner, renew last year's $10,000 homebuyer tax credit and exempt manufacturing items bought by green technology companies from the sales tax.

Schwarzenegger also targeted the federal government, saying California sends far more tax dollars to Washington than it receives and that the state shoulders an unfair burden in paying the costs of illegal immigrants, including those who end up in state prison.

Funding education
College of the Canyons welcomed the proposal of a constitutional requirement that would require more spending on higher education than the prison system.

"It's encouraging that he recognizes the economic role (of community colleges)," COC spokeswoman Sue Bozman said. "We can't afford to cut higher education."

Prisons account for roughly 11 percent of general fund spending, compared to 7.5 percent for higher education.

Smyth expressed concern over how the constitutional requirement would work.

In his speech, the governor conceded that some areas of state government had been cut too far, pointing to K-12 and higher education.

"I agree that we have to preserve as much education funding as possible," Smyth said. "I certainly applaud him and agree with that."

Yet COC officials realize that a $20 billion state budget shortfall awaits state leaders.

"I think it's a very cautious optimism," she said. "We understand how hard it's going to be."

For Schwarzenegger, it means more cuts.

"First, as bitter as the words are in my mouth, we face additional cuts. We know what that means. We know the pain it entails," he told lawmakers packed into the Assembly chamber as his wife, first lady Maria Shriver, looked on. "What can we say at this point except the truth? That we have no choice."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.