League of California Cities Priority Focus Editions #33 and #34. IN THIS ISSUE: August 22 2008 Issue #33 2008 GOVERNOR OFFERS AUGUST REVISE COMPROMISE BUDGET PROPOSAL The Governor announced a special press conference on Wednesday Aug. 20 to unveil what the Department of Finance is calling an August Revise. At the time of the press conference the state was 51 days into its new fiscal year operating without a budget. The Governor said that his compromise budget includes additional cuts new revenues in the form of a temporary sales tax increase budget reform and expansion of the rainy day fund as well as economic stimulus mechanisms. For more see Page 2. ILG 4TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE LUNCHEON SYMPOSIUM FOCUSES ON CALIFORNIA DEMOGRAPHICS USC Professor Manuel Pastor will speak on the changing demographics in California at the Institute for Local Government (ILG) s Luncheon Symposium during the League s 2008 Annual Conference on Sept. 25 in Long Beach. For more see Page 3. FIND A BILL LEGISLATORS LEG COMMITTEE OR ASK LEAGUE LEG STAFF Visit (and bookmark!) the League s Legislative Resources Web page (www.cacities.org/legresources). You ll find a roster and contact information for the League s legislative staff; the online Bill Search program background materials on lobbying your legislators and more. Budget Continued from Page 1 City leaders were again pleased to hear the Governor reiterate his strong belief that it is unwise and irresponsible to balance the budget by borrowing local government or transportation revenues. Many city officials voiced dismay however about a surprising proposal to divert redevelopment tax increment revenues for three years to fund schools instead of building sustainable neighborhoods and supporting the state s economic recovery through redevelopment projects as provided in the state constitution. In brief the Governor proposes: No borrowing of city and county Proposition 1A or Prop. 42 funds; Restoration of COPS and Booking Fees to the Governor s ...
Click here for full text