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1.A~t SESSION frOl11 page 1 .............................................. Signs of the familiar partisanship were evi- dent, however, in opposing comments from legislators about the state's continuing budget deficit. Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez held a joint press conference during which both emphasized the need to keep open the possibility of new taxes to help solve the ongoing budget problems, while Republican leaders talked more about the need to restructure the state's tax system. The governor will release his initial proposal on the state budget on or about January 10. The Legislative Analyst's review ofthe budget will likely be available in February, and legislative budget hearings are likely to start in late February or early March. While the enactment of Proposition 1A is expected to protect most local government revenues from state funding takeaways, the League and its LOCAL partners will be closely monitoring the budget proposals for possible impacts on local services. One continuing area of concern is funding for transportation and local road repairs. Gasoline sales tax funds dedicated by Proposition 42 for road repairs and other transportation purposes have for the past 3 years instead been diverted by the state to help solve the budget shortfalls. The League and many other organizations concerned about transporta- tion and infrastructure needs will argue that these funds are urgently needed to pay for these activities at the local and statewide levels. In addition to their swearing-in ceremonies, legislators this week introduced dozens of bills, including those dealing with the hot button issues of gay marriage, drivers licenses for illegal immigrants, and reforms of the state and local pension systems. Hundreds of additional bills are expected to be introduced after the Legisla- ture reconvenes on January 3. Over the next weeks and months, the League staff will review all bills that might have impacts on cities and, in some cases, seek guidance from League policy committees about appropriate League positions on the bills. Information about League positions newly introduced legislation will be posted over the next few months on the various policy issue pages League's website (seethe -Issues and Legislation- on the website). To search for the text or scheduling information for any newly introduced bill, please visit the Bill Search section of the League's website (www.cacities.ora/ leaislativesearcht ~I>~ / Navigating The Legislative Process Deadlines, Procedures and Common Terms NEW: An overview of the budget process and special sessions . Plus: A description of the legislative process Tips on writing an effective letter and testifying before a legislative committee Suggestions on how to participate in the League legislative program A glossary of commonly used legislative and budget terms A legislative calendar listing key state budget dates for city officials . . . . This publication is available from the League for $5. There is a ten percent discount on orders of five or more. Questions? Contact League Publications at 916/658-8257 or order online at: www.cacities.org/ store PAGE 4/PRIORITV FOCUS Visit the League's OfFICial Web Site--www.cacities.org