AgdaPkt 2005-05-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MA V REVISE from page 1 . . . . . . . . . . . In addition to fully funding Proposition 42 transpor- tation funds for the FY 2005-06 budget year ($1.3 billion), the govemor proposed early repayment of $593.4 million to cities and counties - close to half of the 2003 vehicle license fee (VLF) gap loan. (See League Statement in the press room on the League's website.) As expected, the budget proposal includes as a state revenue source $1.3 billion in additional ERAF shift from local govemments - the second of a t\NO year shift that was agreed to as part of last year's budget package ($2.6 billion totaQ. \I\h'Iile the additional revenue is good news for local services, the funds are by no means certain: it is now up to the Legislature to review these proposals and approve these appropriations. City officials are urged to contact their legislators to urge them to support restoration of these funds. Additionally, city officials should contact their local media or send letters to the editor to explain why it is appropriate to restore these funds and the local services that will benefit. Timing on the passage of the budget is uncertain: the Legislature has repeatedly missed the required June 15 deadline for passage of the budget, causing budget debates to continue through the summer. Summary of Key Budget Items. The govemor's January budget proposed the full suspension of the FY 2005-06 Prop 42 sales tax transfer with repayment over 15 years, and was silent on the future of Prop 42 funding for FY 2007 -DB. As outlined in the May Revision, revenues pr0- duced by the improving Califomia economy, and the availability of additional one-time revenues, now permits the Administration to propose $1.313 billion, the full amount of the Proposition 42 transfer to the Transportation Investment Fund with the following allocation, pursuant to existing law. . $678 million to the Traffic Congestion Relief Fund. [For Transportation Congestion Relief Programs (TCRP)] . $254 for State Transportation Investment Continued on Page 7 tI/t - /Õ LAD from page 4 ............... . McKim said. -,rs not efficient to go from '0' to $1.3 billion. Having reliable funding is important in order to improve Caltrans' mobility and effec- tiveness: Acknowledging the many criticisms of Caltrans over the years, Kim asserted that the department's recently appointed director, VViIl Kempton, was detennined to increase the department's effectiveness. She noted that Kempton has shaved more than $50 million in operational costs since taking office six months ago, and will continue to look for ways to devote more of Caltrans' budget to capital projects. She also said that the new director is detennined to improve Caltrans' customer service perfor- mance; she invited city officials who complained that their cities have had difficulties obtaining cooperation from Caltrans on local projects to give her their business cards for personal follow- up. 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE: OCTOBER 6-8, MOSCONE CONVENTION CENTER, SAN FRANCISCO Plan now to attend the 2005 Annual Conference this fall - the first time it has been in San Francisco since 1997. Sugges- tions for topics to include on the agenda are welcome by February 2B; send them to education@cacities.org. The conference announcement will be out by early June, and the League's re- duced rate housing block at six nearby hotels will open June 1 on the League website (Reservations made before then will not be in the block or get the discounted room rate). PAGE 6/PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Website u www.cacities.org -