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9. A - LOCAL from page 3 ................ QUOTES from page 4 ........... . federally mandated programs such as Medi -Cal health insurance and welfare. Twentynine Palms City Manager Mike Swigart describes the state as a collection agency. Swigart is concerned that the need to balance the state budget despite an enormous deficit will lead the state to keep more of the tax revenues that cur- rently go to fund local governments. The local governments get their funds primarily from property tax, sales tax and vehicle license fees. A dozen years ago, during the Gulf War not only did the Marines deploy but more than 4,000 of their families left the area temporarily to return to their home communities. While local businesses are prepared for another extended dry spell, there is hope that a new family support program, known as Operation Enduring Families, will not only ease the emotional and economic hardship experienced by the families of Marines, but will also keep them in the community. Press Coverage This Week Editorials, Columns, Opeds, Letters to the Editor The Ventura County Star Editorial, "Lack of urgency on state budget" Stockton Record Editorial, "Legislature lite; California lawmakers need courage, brains, heart" San Jose Mercury News Editorial "Desper- ate cities: Legislation to help raise revenue is a start, but what's really needed is an overall solu- tion" News Stories Antelope Valley Press, "State putting financial squeeze on cities" The Los Angeles Times Article, "It's Spring Break; the Budget Can Wait" Antelope Valley Press Article, "Supervisors criticize governor, Legislature over budget crisis" The San Luis Obispo Tribune Article, "State budget deficit may still be growing" The Los Angeles Times, 04114/03, County Facing Cuts to Budget —After forecasting a shortfall of $205 million in the general fund, the top official today will introduce a plan for a leaner 2003 -04. "From sheriffs deputies to nurses, lawyers and janitors, Los Angeles County workers are steeling themselves for a fresh round of cutbacks in a government that already has absorbed significant reductions in public safety and health services. Chief Administrative Officer David Janssen will release a 2003 -04 budget proposal today that includes multimillion - dollar cuts to cope with Califomia's worst budget crisis in decades. "In a budget forecast last month, Janssen pre- dicted a $205 - million shortfall in the county's general fund for the coming fiscal year... The state, which is supposed to reimburse counties for spending on state - mandated programs, this year has withheld about $40 million it owes Los Angeles County. The Palm Springs Desert Sun, 4/15103, Budget woes hit home for many in California. "To Jenny Daniel of Cathedral City, the governor is targeting a life - fulfilling opportunity with his budget - balancing plan. Gov. Gray Davis has proposed several cuts to offset a deficit projected to reach $35 billion over the next 16 months. Among them is a pro- posal to end hospice care for Medi -Cal patients — a service that Daniel's family turned to before her daughter Sarah died last year at 5 years of age. "With the promise of hospice care from the Visiting Nurses Association of the Inland Counties, Daniel and Sarah returned home, where they received two weeks of help with medications and other medical needs as well as counseling for the entire family. "The hospice program is just one of many facing reduced or eliminated funding because of the state's budget problems." The Fresno Bee, 4115/03, Pediatric centers close — Urgent -care facilities in Fresno and Clovis were part of Children's Hospital. "In February, children's officials announced they Continued on Page 7 PAGE 6 /PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Web Site -- www.cacities.org