AgdaPkt 2004-07-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

�, � . � BUDGET from page 4 • • - • • • • • � • • • - • • 1ULY 9 COMPROMISE FRAMEIIVORK FOR wnat�s NeXt� LOCAL GOVERNMEHT BUDGET PACKAGE There's a strong sense among in and around On July 9, the Administration and local gov- the State Capitoi that the budget must be passed emmenf leaders proposed a r+evised, compromise soon. Certainly this is reflected in the Democrats' �mework for fhe Loca/ Govemment Budget decision to pass a budget bill to the floors of both package that addr+esses many of the concems houses, and to move SCA 9 at the same time. raised by legislators. This revised framework (with changes from fhe original Loca/ Government City officials and their LOCAL coalition part- Agreement shown in str�skeF► and underlined text) ners have done a terrfic job over the past weeks �ncludes: in talking to their legislators, often making repeat calls or sending letters and faxes in response to . Two years worth of property tax revenue requests from the League and the LOCAL coali- redu�tions from cities, counties, special districts tion. Without this outstanding effort by our mem- and redevelopment agencies (totaling $2.6 billion) bers, a budget could well have been passed that to help the state out of its budget crisis. simply rolled over the concems of those who understand the need to protect funding for local . Constitutional protections of local funding, services. including: We need to keep our attention focused on the budget over the days ahead. We need to continue Property, Sales Tax and VLF Backfill Proteo- to be ready with calls or letters to legislators and �ons. the media when the need arises. Protect each city, county, special district We need to thank those legislators who are and redevelopment agency's individual property standing with us, and in particular, thank Governor tax (inctuding growth). Legislature may increase a Schwarzenegger. He has also proven to be a �ocal govemments' share of property tax. strong ally, exercising his energy and leadership on behalf of the millions of Catffomians who • Protect each city's and county's existing depend upon access to police, fire, recreation, Bradley-Bums 1% sales tax rate and method of public heafth and other vitally important local distribution (including growth), plus local sales tax services. We need to thank him, early and often. add-ons (e.g., transportation, library, local option general, etc.). Guarantee return of'/. cent sales We also urge ciry officials to voice their tax to cities and counties when Prop 57 bonds protests over the cutting of booking fee retired. reimbursements. The $10 million savings to the state is unjustified, when compared to the impact • Protect city and county VLF revenue this will have on cities' ability to pay for police, fire derived from the remaining (0.65%) VLF. Rate and other vitally important services. Again — visit may be lowered if property tax provided in ex- the Advocacy Center (www.cacities.orq/advocacv) change. Require repayment in 2006-07 of 2003- for a sample letter or talking points. 04 VLF Backfill Gap Loan ($1.23 billion). • Provide property taxes to cities and coun- ties to offset future loss of VLF backfill on dollar- for-dollar basis. Continued on Page 6 Visit the League's Official Web Site--www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUS/PAGE 5