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S. A4 WORKERS COMP from page 1 • • • • • • • VLF from page 1 ............ • • • • • Reform of the state's workers' compensation system is vitally import to cities and businesses alike, with Califomia e; nployers paying the highest rates in the nation for evar- worsening coverage. The two -day meeting will end with a comprehen- sive reform package that will be sent to the Gover- nor. The members on the conference committee are: Senate President pro Tempore John Burton Senator Richard Alarcon Senator Chuck Poochigian Assembly Member Juan Vargas Assembly Member Fabian Nunez Assembly Member Ken Maddox The budget package signed by the Governor provided for a delay of three years, until 2006, for payment of the VLF backfill due to cities during the VLF "gap ": the period between the June 19 pullino of the VLF "trigger ", and the October 1 due date foi the newly restored fees to kick in. However, the legislation recognized that some local agencies depended greatly on receiving their VLF payments, and had fewer alternative sources of revenues to meet their obligations. AB 1768 thus provided that some categories of "hardship" cases could qualify to receive their VLF backfill payments this year instead of 2006. Hardship Categories Defined The "hardship" categories included: Capitol Rally Will Urge Reform The California Coalition on Workers' Compensa- tion (CCWC), of which the League is a member, will hold a rally on the South Steps of the State Capitol at 10 a.m. Wednesday to coincide with the conference committee hearing. All six members of the confer- ence committee have been invited to attend, along with Governor Davis and Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi. The rally is intended to drive home the urgent concern that workers' compensation reform be enacted before the legislature recesses September 12. If you plan to attend, the CCWC has asked that you contact Scott Lipton of the coalition at 916 4414111 or email slipton @ccwcworkcomp.org. To view the two-day agenda, or the joint letter from the League, CSAC and other local agencies sent to the members of the conference committee, visit the League's website at www.cacities.oro/ emploveerelations. Questions? Contact League Lobbyist Amy Brown at browns ()cacities.om. 1. A county or city that has pledged its share of vehicle license fee revenues as security for any indebtedness that, as a result of the delay of the disbursement, will compromise its ability to repay that indebtedness. 2. A county's or city's share of vehicle license fee revenues, as determined by the Controller, that exceeds 37 percent of that entity's general revenue (based on 2000 -01 Controller reports). 3. A city that is newly incorporated and that is entitled to the allocations of vehicle license fee revenues authorized by Section 11005.3. Any city that meets one of these hardship requirements will have to submit a form to the State Controller with appropriate documenta- tion, as needed. The list of cities identified under the second two categories, along with the form, are posted at: http: / /www.sco.ca.aov. The State Con- troller indicates it will take uo to 4 weeks to review submissions. so your quick reply is important. A copy of the legislation can be found at www.cacities.org /legislativesearch. Our Mission Restore and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality oflife for all Californians. PAGE 4 /PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Web Site-- www.cacities.org