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BA,VJ BUDGET from page 1 ............... AS 2702 from page 1 .............. "We are very proud today to have this budget, · the governor said, after extending particular thanks It remains unclear whether this measure, which to the League executive officers and mayors Alan is opposed by over 100 cities, will be reported out Autry of Fresno and James Hahn of Los Angeles for of committee to the Senate Floor later next week, their work on behalf of cities during the budget or remain in the committee and be dead for the remainder of this legislative session. The Appropriations Suspense File is reserved for bills with anticipated costs of over $150,000 to the state. Since most significant bills cost the state money, this is a way for the Legislature to decide what its real priorities are and impose some fiscal discipline upon itself. The decisions about which bills get off the Suspense File are typically based upon backroom negotiations and the bills are often reported out with amend- ments designed to reduce the costs to the state. One of arguments Assembly Member Steinberg has made is that AS 2702 is not a reimbursable state mandate because local governments can charge fees to applicants to compensate for the costs of Governor Schwarzenegger Addresses the League's amending their ordinances. His sponsors have also Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum in Monterey. argued that local govemments do not have to up- date their ordinances, but can simply give an appli- negotiations. cant a copy of the ordinance and a copy of AB 2702. Speaking of the local government protections The League does not agree with these argu- contained in the budget package, the governor said, "This is a very, very key issue to me. At the local ments, and supports the committee consultant's level is where we get our essential services, and I analysis that the bill could cost the state millions wanted to protect them. for mandate reimbursements. Despite these projected costs, Suspense File bills are often "What we have accomplished here is abso- decided based upon politics rather than facts, and the committee could let the bill out next week lutely historic. I am ecstatic." saying that it does not create costs to the state. League Executive Director Chris McKenzie also Many of those involved in the decision will be out of office when the matter is decided either by the praised the budget deal, saying, "It was Governor State Mandates Commission or a court years from Schwarzenegger's leadership and commitment now, so they won't be around when the costs that brought us together with legislators. He fulfilled come due. his commitment to California voters to unite us all towards a common purpose." The Senate Appropriations Committee consists of the following members: Alpert (Chair), Battin The governor's remarks came one day before (Vice-Chair), Aa, nestad Ashburn, Bowen, Burton, his 57111 birthday. At the conclusion of his remarks Escutia, Johnson, Karnette, Machado, Murray, League President and Riverside Mayor Ron Poochigian and Speier. Loveridge presented him with a birthday cake. Announced early that morning, the governor's Local officials concemed with AS 2102 - and appearance was covered extensively in both the especially those represented by these senators - are encouraged to contact them to request that Continued on Page 9 the committee keep this bill on the Suspense File. PAGE 6IPRIORITY FOCUS www.cacities.org