Letter encourages public to contact Sacramento officials.

By Marsha McLean, Santa Clarita City Councilmember

Year after year, cities across the state adopt balanced budgets in a timely manner, being careful to spend within their means.  But solvency and good financial planning seems to elude the state, and now state officials are attempting to balance their bloated budget on the backs of California cities.

Here we go again!  The Independent Cities Association (ICA), the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) and the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities, are seeking community support to protect local funding from potential and adverse State actions as the State attempts to balance its budget. 

If you are concerned about local government’s ability to provide services and the use of transportation funding “loans,” to balance the State budget, you may wish to contact our State representatives.  Here are few things you can do to help:

Call the Governor! Thank him for his responsible budget and his commitment not to support any budget that depends on local government or transportation "loans". Governor’s Office Phone No: 916-445-2841.

Call the Legislative leadership! Tell them to leave local funds local, and to balance the State budget with State revenues.   Local government and transportation "loans" to the state would be fiscally irresponsible.

            * Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata: (916) 651-4009

            * Senate Republican Leader Dave Cogdill: (916) 651-4014

            * Assembly Speaker Karen Bass: (916) 319-2047

            * Assembly Republican Leader Michael Villines: (916) 319-2029

It is imperative that we all join together to protect local revenue. Protection of local funding from State actions is necessary to protect our communities.   Thank you in advance for your support.