AgdaPkt 2003-06-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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W I DIP If •• -* •171 ■a ••�•!' •� '�la� r tip; � ae:a; � v • : ■ • :1 7P9M�5• • 1�. J�1 1� � 1 Cities are urged to contact their Congressional Representatives to seek their support for the Senate's $20 billion state and local fiscal relief pack- age, recently passed as part of a final Senate agree- ment on the federal tax bill. Strong resistance to inclusion of the relief provision in the conference agreement is expected in the House of Representa- tives. In particular, cities and counties should focus on communicating their support for this provision to California Members on the House Ways and Means Committee: Chairman Bill Thomas (R- Bakersfield), Wally Herger (R- Chico), Pete Stark (D- Fremont), Bob Matsui (D- Sacramento), and Xavier Becerra (D -Los Angeles). A sample letter and talking points are available on the League website Advocacy Center (www.cacites.org/advocacycenter). Local Funding Amendment Supported by Senators Boxer and Feinstein difficult budgetary decisions as they struggle to maintain critical services. The League applauds both Senators for their support of this much - needed funding. Before state and local governments will receive any additional federal assistance, however, the provision authorizing the distribution of state and local fiscal relief funds must remain part of the bill following House and Senate conference negotiations. Cities should immediately contact their congressional representatives to urge support for the funding provisions. a - •i i is v u a •i • r Is there an environmental award in your city's future? The funding was added May 15 on the Senate floor during consideration of the $350 billion federal tax cut reconciliation bill. An amendment to provide $20 billion fiscal relief to state and local governments was adopted by a 95 -3 vote. Senator Susan Collins of Maine offered the amendment, in close consulta- tion with Senate Finance Committee chairman Sena- tor Charles Grassley (R -IA). The Collins amendment provides $10 million to increase federal contributions toward the Medicaid program, with the remaining $10 billion allocated directly to state and local governments. State govern- ments are slated to receive $6 billion in temporary relief grants and local governments $4 billion. Of this total, California state and local government can expect $691 million and $460 million respectively. Grant funds could be used to support state and local programs related to education, job training, health care, public safety, or transportation and infrastruc- ture needs. Both Senators Boxer and Feinstein voted in favor of the Collins amendment, recognizing that fiscally constrained state and local agencies face impossibly There may be, if your city has an innovative environmental protection and enhancement program — and you submit an application to the 2003 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards competition. These awards represent the State's highest and most prestigious environmental honor, and this year the League is also a sponsor. The awards recognize achievements related to the conservation of California's precious resources, and protection and enhancement of our environ- ment. Award categories include: 1) Children's Environmental Education; 2) Watershed & Eco- system Restoration; 3) Sustainable Practices; 4) Environmental- Economic Partnerships; 5) Land Use; 6) Technology Innovation; and 7) Sustain- able Facilities. City entries are welcomed and encouraged! The 2003 application can be obtained at the following link: http: //www.calepa.ca.gov /Awards/ GEELA/. Applications must be received by the state by August 1, 2003. visit the Teague'a Official Fab Site-- www.c=ities.crg PRICRrrr FOCUS /PAGE 5