City and County officials denounce revenue grab by state

 

 

 

 

 

SHERIFF BACA, DISTRICT ATTORNEY STEVE COOLEY, AND COUNTY AND CITY OFFICIALS

JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT THE STATE’S PROPOSAL TO STRIP LOCAL COFFERS

 

            Sheriff Lee Baca, Supervisor Don Knabe, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, District Attorney Steve Cooley, and approximately 45 local county and city officials gathered today on the steps of the Hall of Administration to denounce the State of California seizing billions of dollars from the tax revenues that belong to the counties and cities.

            “It is fiscally irresponsible and reckless that the state is considering borrowing local government revenues,” Sheriff Baca said.  “Public safety is at a critical juncture with this budget.  My department is already looking at a $30 million to $40 million cut.  The state should balance their own budget with their own funds and keep their hands off of local government dollars.”

            Supervisor Knabe stated, “The proposed budget cuts by the State will put at risk our ability to protect the safety net services that we are required to provide by law.  Funding for public safety, health, libraries, and parks are now in jeopardy because of these proposed cuts.  Once again, we are being punished locally because the State’s financial house is in total disorder.  Ultimately, it will be the residents of our County who will suffer the most from the State hijacking these local funds in the form of reduced services and fewer options.”

            “For nearly 15 years, the County of Los Angeles has lived within its means and demonstrated genuine fiscal responsibility in matching revenues and expenditures,” said Supervisor Yaroslavsky.  “Thanks to Sacramento's profligacy, our County and local governments throughout California will become the collateral damage to the state's fiscal meltdown."

            “Each of us is aware of the daunting $24 billion budget shortfall facing the State of California.  Some proposals would allow the State to take billions of tax dollars from counties and cities,” commented District Attorney Cooley.  “This would predictably and terribly impact many vital services, including public safety and justice.  Borrowing nearly $2 billion from local governments at a time when counties and cities are struggling to balance their own books is shortsighted at best and a remedy worse than the cure. Public safety and our justice systems should have the highest priority in any budget scenario – state or local.”

SHB-84A-09                                                                                        X     X     X                                                                                   June 12, 2009