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/tJ,1- -4 BOND HEARING from page 1......................................... S8 1024, The Safe Facilities, Improved Mobil- ity, Disaster Preparedness and Clean Air Bond Act of 2005, would place before voters a bond to invest $10.3 billion in California's infrastructure. Of particular interest to cities in the current bond proposal package is a provision for the repayment of Proposition 42 money to fund projects that lost money in 2003 and 2004, when the Legislature transferred the funds to other state needs. Council Mernber Padilla's testimony focused on several areas, including: . The importance of adequate and ongo- ing funding for infrastructure, to keep up with the tremendous needs for improved roads, transit, affordable housing and economic development. . A permanent fix for Prop. 42 funding. Council Member Padilla highlighted how important these funds are to maintain the overall road sys- tems between jurisdictions and the state highways, including the secondary highway system, where most vehicle trips begin and end. . Cities need funding to help rebuild California. While cities have the responsibility and the will at the local level to invest in California's future, cities lack resources. California will not successfully address the state's infrastructure needs unless our cities also receive adequate funds. . Suggestions for additional items that the state infrastructure package should con- tain, including: (1) A more significant investment aimed specifically at addressing an array of infill issues (streets, water, sewer, urban parks, etc.) which will allow cities to address local needs to accommodate higher density housing in locations that complement transit investments; and, (2) An investment in affordable housing funds targeted specifically at these areas. . Infrastructure and Healthy Cities. With "safe and healthy cities' a League focus for 2006, League President Padilla emphasized the con- nection between healthy communities, and infrastructure improvements that shorten com- mutes, create more recreation opportunities, and make it easier and safer for children and adults to walk and bike to school, work and recreation. Next Steps The League is aware that the governor and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez are working on infrastructure packages. However, the only proposed legislative measure in print is Senate Pro Tem Don Perata's S8 1024. Sen. Alan Lowenthal, chair ofthe Senate Housing and Transportation Committee, closed the hearing by reiterating that the intent is to make infrastructure funding a bi-partisan effort, in partnership with the administration, to get Califor- nia on the move again. He also commented that this is more than a street and road issue, it is a quality of life issue, and we need to look at taking an integrated approach to housing, transporta- tion, parks, roads, and cultural and educational institutions. ......................... H.R. 4437 from page 1 The proposed amendment would block federal law enforcement funds from going to local govern- ments that have enacted laws that expressly prohibit local law enforcement officers from informing the federal government of known illegal immigrants. The Campbell amendment would pre-empt local authority by forcing municipalities to either deputize law enforcement officials to enforce federal immigra- tion laws or lose millions of dollars in federal funding. "We recognize that our members may have different points of view on the policy issues relating to border protection and immigration", said League Executive Director Chris McKenzie. "We're not suggesting that our cities weigh in one way or the other on those issues. "This proposed amendment directly undermines local control over local resources - a core issue for Continued on Page 5 PAGE 4 - PRIORITY FOCUS December 16,2005 -Issue #48 Visit the League's Official Website-www.cacities.org