AgdaPkt 2005-06-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

LOCAL COALITION STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO ASSEMBLY DEMOCRAT BUDGET PROPOSAL Sacramento - Representatives of the LOCAL coalition issued the following statement today in response to the Budget proposal released by Assembly Democrats. "We appreciate the proposal by Speaker Fabian Núñez and Assembly Democrats to fully fund Proposition 42 this year, which would help jumpstart long overdue repairs of our local streets and roads and improve the daily commutas of Califomia residents. We are also pleased to see some other provisions of this budget such as the restoration of some spending cuts to county health and human services. "LOCAL does have concems about the Assem- bly Democrat plan that would postpone repayment of more than $600 million in Vehicle License Fee loans to cities and counties uniil2006-2007. We believe it is fiscally prudent to repay these loans in this budget year as proposed in the Govemor's May Revise. The State should use unanticipated revenues to pay down its debt. "We support the Assembly Democrats in their call to get to worK immediately on finalizing this year's budget. Local govemments throughout California depend on a timely budget so they can finalize their own spending plans. "We look forward to worKing with Democrat and Republican legisl~ors, as well as the Adminis- tration, to support a budget that protects reso~rces for vital local services. In November of 2004, a resounding 84 percent of California voters passed Proposition 1 A - delivering an unequivocal mes- sage that they want to put an end to state [ actions that erode local revenues. LOCAL will remain' active to ensure that any final budget is fair and that it upholds the will of Califomia voters by protecting funding for local services" ' " &-~ {J,¡.!' .1ETTING YOUR LEGISLATORS KNOW YOUR CITY'S POSITION: TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY . .¡ As the legislative session heats up, it is impor- tant once again for city officials to remember key tips in sending letters or other communications to legislators: One bill, one letter - Send a separate letter for each bill about which you VJish to write; do not include information about multiple bills in one letter. Include your position at the top of the letter - Be sure to state your city's position dearly at the top of the letter, not buried in the text of the letter. No resolutions - While your city may use a resolution to adopt a position, it is better to send a letter stating yòur city's pOsition, not just the resolu- tion. Be specific - Give examples of why a bill hurts or helps your city. Be strategic - If your legislator sits on a key committee, it is more important that you respond to the League's requests for action. Be timely - Make sure your letters anive prior to committee hearings, rather than after the hearing. Set up a system - Establish a system in your city sò that you can respond to a bill as it moves through the legislature. Be informed - Sign up to receive the League's vveekly Priority Focus newsletter electronically. You can sign up by visiting the League's vvebsiteat www.cacities.org. Also, review "Navigating the Legislative Process. which is available on the League's Website. For League Priority Bills: Check the League's online Advocacy Center (www.cacities.orgladvocacycenter) for sample letters (you will still need to add specific examples of how the bill affects your city). Visit the league's Official Websiteuwww.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUSIPAGE 3