AgdaPkt 2003-06-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

9.A —/// blues — Major structural reform needed for fiscal success. "Rolling over the deficit should be a last resort after Davis and the Legislature have taken some tough decisions to reduce the budget deficit. These should include deep spend- ing cuts and some equally distributed tax in- creases. There must be a revamping of the state's volatile tax structure to stop the cycle of boom -or -bust budgets. California, moreover, must have a constitutional limit to restrain run- away spending in flush times. And there must be a sweeping realignment between Sacramento and local governments." The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, 5/7/03, Balance the state budget? No problem. "No, the task is not impossible. It's not even optional. Financial disaster for state and local government waits just around the corner unless the state of California stops paying its bills with credit cards." n Y slices 17 jobs in first budget cuts. "Napa County supervisors slashed health care funding by $1.6 million Tuesday in the first slate of cuts forced t.y the state budget crisis... Eleven full -time jobs will be cut in county health and human services by July 1 and another six positions will be allowed to remain vacant. The other cuts mainly affect mental health programs." Los Angeles Times, 5/7/03, State Weighs a Tax Hike Proposal would create an agency to issue bonds that would be paid for with a half - cent sales tax increase. Wall Street indicates support. "The plan, parts of which were shared privately with major Wall Street firms last month, is modeled after the one that kept New York City solvent in the 1970s. It would pay off much of California's current deficit this year, then repay that loan over several years." News Stories The Sacramento Bee, 5/15103, Latest Proposal Gentler on Local Government. "The governor dropped plans to eliminate a key funding source for municipal programs and shift major welfare responsibilities to counties." The San Jose Mercury News, 5/15/03, Cities Hail Funds Release – They'll Be Get- ting Full Car Tax Share. "They weren't uncork- ing the champagne Wednesday, but city and county finance directors along the Peninsula said they're pleased with the preservation of an impor- tant source of local funding." The Oakland Tribune, 5/15/03, Republi- cans remain staunchly opposed to any tax hikes to balance state's $38 billion deficit. "Reworking his stalled plan to erase a $38 billion budget deficit, Gov. Gray Davis on Wednesday proposed blunting deep education and health cuts with a $10 billion loan but retained apparent deal - amounts to'the financial equivalent of a high -wire act,' according to a letter to state finance officials from an influential Wall Street investment firm." NOW AVAILABLE! The 2003 City Hall Directory Don't miss this opportunity to get the League's most useful reference tool. This comprehensive California directory provides important contact information for mayors, council members and city department heads. The directory also features the league's staff directory, corporate partners, affiliate organizations and a wide variety of advertisers. Purchase this publication on -line at www.cacities.org/store or call 916-658 -8257 for an order form. City officials price: S30 Non. city official price. S45 PAM 14 /PRIORITY FO= Visit the 1 '.mO '8 Off icial Nab Site-- ww,oacities.ozg QLUM fr�tj�age s ................ ............................... San Diego Union Tribune, 5/9/03, Budget The Napa Valley Register 5/8/03 C t