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� � <br /> �A� l� <br /> LEGISLATOR ENDORSEAAENT LETTER <br /> . <br /> Californi�ns � Protect <br /> Local Ta:payers and Pablic Safety <br /> www.ProtectLocalServiees.com <br /> February 24, 2004 <br /> The Honorable <br /> Califomia State <br /> State Capitol Building, Room <br /> Sacramento, CA 95814 <br /> Dear <br /> We urge you to formally endorse the Locai Taxpayers and Pubiic Safety Protection Act, a measure <br /> aimed for the November 2004 Ballot. The measure is supported by a broad coalition of local govem- <br /> ment, public safety, business and community leaders (see attached coalition list). It would require a <br /> majority vote of the people befom the State would be allowed to take and use the major souroes of local <br /> govemment revenues in the future. <br /> We are in the process of collecting signatures and are confident that we will gather the necessary <br /> valid signatures to put this before the voters in November. Moreover, we are confident that voters will <br /> ultimately approve this measure when given the chance. <br /> Strong majorities (70%) of voters surveyed support the underlying concepts behind this measure: <br /> protecting local govemment funding from being reduced by the state and giving voters the final say <br /> before the state can take funds now dedicated to cities, counties and special districts. <br /> Attached is more information about this measure. You can also download text of the inrtiative and <br /> other matenals at www.ProtectLocalServices.com. This measure is very simple: <br /> • First, it would require a majority vote of Cal'rfomia voters before the state govemment could take <br /> local govemment funds and use them for state purposes. This measure requires local voter approval <br /> before the state can reallocate local property taxes, or reduce funds local govemments now receive <br /> from vehicle license fees (or equivalent) and sales taxes. <br /> • Second, this measure strengthens existing law that says when the State mandates a program, <br /> service or added cost to local govemments, the state must reimburse local govemments in a timely <br /> manner for the cost of providing that program or service. <br /> These hvo simple — yet important — provisions will go a bng way to protect funds for vital local <br /> services like police and fire, emergency medical and health care, parks, roads, and libraries. <br /> Continued on Pay� 11 <br /> PAGE 10/PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Web Site•-www.cacities.org <br />