AgdaPkt 2004-08-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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� �o �� , � . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "The agreement provides a breakthmugh in couid be reallocated by the legislatur+e, but not to pay tertns of pmtecting local senrioes," said League for state programs. The current rate and method of Presiderrt Ron Loveridge, Mayor of the City aF distribution of sales tax w�ould be prntected from Riverside. "It means that we will �nroric together with realloca6on or borrowing by the state, and state the govemor and legislative leaders to secure voter mandated programs would be suspended if the state approval in November for a ballot measu� that will failed to reimburse local govemments. (For detaiis, signficanNy strengthen constitutional protections f�or see "Details of Local GovemmentAgneemenY', local revenues." which compares the agreement with current law.) The local govemment agreement was passed by League Thanks Govemor, Legislators, the Assembly on Juty 28 and Senate on July 29 as Mayors, Other Local Leaders. "This agneement part of the state budget package. The agreement is would not have been possible were it not inr the contained in SCA 4(Torlakson), the constitutional outstanding leadership of Govemor measure; SB 1096 (Budget and Fiscal Review Schwarzenegger, and the support and cooperation Committee), an implementing trailer bill; and SB of legislative leaders," said League Executive Direo- 1196 (Budget and Fiscal Review Committee), which tor Chris McKenzie. "It was Govemor puts the constitutional measure on the balbt and Schwarzenegger's leadership and commitrnent that includes ballot arguments. brought us together with legislators. He fulfilled his commitment to Califomia voters to unite us all The agreement calls for cities, counties, special towards a common purpose. districts and redevelopment agencies to endure 1wo years of painful revenue losses, as $1.3 billion in "Our members and our coalfion partners also local funds are shifted to the state each year. The played an outstanding role in achieving this historic cities' share of this loss will be $350 million for each agneement. It was their efForts in collecting mone of the two years. (For a city-by�ity breakdown of than 1.1 million signatures to put Prop. 65 on the these losses, visit the League's website at ballot, that helped give us a place at the table." wuvw cacities.ora.) McKenzie added, "I also want to express our "The cuts will be very difficult for many cities," great appreciation to Mayor Jim Hahn (Los Angeles) said Novato Mayor Pat Eklund, First Vice President and MayorAlan Autry (Fresno) forthe incredible of the League. "But we're willing to endur+e this short- leadership they have provided to the ci6es of the term pain because this ballot measure protects our state in this process. The League offioers — Mayor future revenues. For the first time in more than a Ron Loveridge, Mayor Pat Eklund, LosAngeles decade, we'll be able to provide police, fire and ott�er Council President Alex Padilla and Oakland City essential services knowing that the state can't just Attomey John Russo — also provided untold hours reach down and take ourfunds." of guidance and leadership. We deeply appreaate all their efforts." Details of Constitutional Measure. The agreement will retain the existing funding shift from "We still have much work ahead of us," said local govemments to school districts (ERAF), Loveridge. °We must wo�lc to educate voters about currently about $5 billion annually, but would amend why this consMutional measure is important to their the constitution to prevent the legislatur+e from communities. increasing the amount of these shifts in future. "We look forward to woricing with the govemor The legislatur+e would be able to bon�ow property and with legislators to ensure that we pass this tax from cities, courrties and specia) districts ff the measure in the fall and restore the accountability to govemor proclaims "sign�cant state fiscal harciship", state and local budgets that voters want and expect." but only if prior loans were repaid to bcal govem- ments and other aiteria were met. Property taxes PAGE 2/PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Web Site--www.cacities.org