AgdaPkt 2005-05-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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/A-/6 MAY REVISE from page 6 .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program (STlP) projects. part of the January budget proposal. They elimi- . $254 million to cities and counties for nated the need to borrow $1.3 billion in Prop 42 local streets and roads. ($127 million to cities, funds, and also helped the state roll back their $127 million to counties) January proposal to sell and additional $1.7 billion in . $127 million to the Public Transportation economic recovery bonds, thereby reserving that Account (PTA). capacity for future years. 'M1ile this is significant for transportation, contin- ued efforts to secure this funding in the final adopted budget are important. Although the May Revision proposes one-time revenues to fully fund Prop 42, a permanent fix to proted these funds is aitical. Cities are encouraged to remain vigilant in their advocacy , efforts to secure money for transportation. To find out how much your city would receive under the local streets and road allocation, go to www.califomiaciMinance.com. VLF Gap Loan. In the FY 2003-04 budget year, cities and counties did not receive VLF backfill payments for a period of time ear1y in the year while the VLF "trigger" was pulled, and before the ne\N Schwarzenegger administration reversed that decision. This became what is now referred to as the VLF gap loan that is required, by statute, to be repaid on August 15, 2006. The governor's decision to propose paying half of this obligation early gives locals a strong influx of immediate funds to allocate on a discretionary basis, according to local priorities that have been stalled or deferred by lack of revenue during recent years. To find out how much your city would get back under the VLF gap loan repayment, go to www.califomiacityfinance.corn. Look at the far right- hand column (reflecting the total amount 0\Ned overall), and divide that figure by two. POBAR The May revise also reversed the earlier deferral of payments for the Police Officers Procedural Bill of Rights (PO BAR) mandate and funds it at $18.1 million. It proposes to increase federal authority by $5 million to provide grants to metropolitan planning organizations to produce regiona' "blueprinr planning documents. The new state revenues have also allovved the administration to eliminate the borroYJing that was Conclusion: The govemor's May Revise proposal contains important funding for cities, but we need to work to see that the Legislature also sup- ports the proposal. It's critical that you contact your legislatolS and the media to urge support for these apptOp1Ültions. 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 fpr city officials This publication is available from the League for $5 plus shipping and handling. 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. Visit the League's Official Website u www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUS/PAGE 7