AgdaPkt 2004-08-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

1. A ~L If approved by the electorate, Proposition 1 A will constitutionally prevent the State legislature from taking local government funds to pay for state responsibilities. This measure will thereby help protect funding for essential local services like fire and paramedic response, law enforcement, emergency and trauma care, parks, roads, libraries, transportation and more. Proposition 1A is crucial to Redwood City and other local governments - since 1991 the State has taken an astonishing total of over $35 million from Redwood City's local funds. Had there earlier been a preventative measure in place such as Proposition 1 A, the most recent State seizures of funds would not have taken place, and our budget deficit would be significantly lower. This measure, if passed by the voters, will restrict the State Legislature's ability to take local government funding, including local governments' share of existing sales taxes, property taxes and Vehicle License Fee (VLF) revenues. It will require the State to provide funding for any program or service the State forces local governments to provide (State-mandated programs). If the State fails to provide that funding, then the legislature must repeal these mandates. The measure provides flexibility in a state budget emergency in that it allows the State to borrow local government revenues if funds are needed in a fiscal emergency to support schools or other state programs. Proposition 1 A will not raise tax rates or fees; it will not reduce funding for schools or any other state programs or services; it does not increase funding to local governments; and it leaves the door open to future reforms of the state-local fiscal relationship. Alternative The Council could choose not to adopt this resolution and therefore not go on record in support of providing protection of local funds from seizure by the State. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of this resolution. \"M~--y ~ Public Communications Manager Attachments Draft Resolution League of California Cities' Proposition 1A Information Packet: Key Talking Points Proposition 1A Frequently Asked Questions Facts About Proposition 1A Text of Senate Constitutional Amendment 4 (SCA 4)