League of California Cities Priority Focus Editions #27 and #28. IN THIS ISSUE: Page 4: Future Funding for Local Streets and Roads Pending Additional Survey Data Cities Would Gain Park Funding With the Passage of AB 31 Find a Bill Legislators Leg Committee or Ask League Leg Staff July 11 2008 Issue #27 2008 BUDGET COMMITTEE ACTS ON LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY FUNDS The Budget Conference Committee concluded its work during several late night sessions this week and adopted on party line vote (Democrats supporting Republicans opposed) a package of tax increases as well as additional cuts to state funded local public safety programs. For more see Page 2. U.S. SENATE TAKES ACTION ON HOUSING CRISIS ENERGY WATER CONSERVATION The Senate is expected to approve HR 3221 the Housing and Economic Recovery Act on Friday July 11. In addition to containing $3.9 billion of funding for state and local governments for foreclosed property acquisition and rehabilitation the measure also provides for a regulatory overhaul of mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac a plan to help borrowers avoid foreclosure by refinancing through the Federal Housing Administration and a $14.5 billion package of housing focused tax breaks. For more see Page 3. LETTERS OF OPPOSITION NEEDED ON PAID SICK LEAVE BILL The League continues to oppose AB 2716 (Ma) a bill that mandates all California employers (including cities) to provide paid sick leave for any employee who works seven or more days in a calendar year. With major concerns regarding the additional costs this bill will cause cities to incur and the fact that it can be seen as an unfunded mandate it s critical that the bill is defeated. For more see Page 3. Budget Continued from Page 1 Citizens Options for Public Safety (COPS)/Juvenile Justice Grant Program: The committee voted to approve funding for these programs at the FY 2005 06 funding level of $100 million for each program ($200 million total). This is less than the FY 2007 08 amount of $119 ...
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