(Gov Arnold) Budget Targets Cities, Counties (1.3 billion cut)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-budget9jan09,1,2251228.story?coll=la-home-headlines

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to unveil a budget plan today that would take $1.3 billion from local governments, significantly cut back money for transportation and reduce the health benefits for low-income Californians, according to officials familiar with the details.

Although some of the cuts had been anticipated, local officials reacted with disbelief, saying they were blindsided by news that the administration planned to shift more of their property tax money to other programs.

Only weeks ago the governor — flanked by an assortment of beaming mayors and county officials — called a televised news conference to announce that he was restoring $4 billion that local governments lost when he reduced the vehicle license fee in November. The governor said at the time that he was keeping his campaign pledge not to harm cities and counties as a result of his tax cut.

Chris McKenzie, executive director of the League of California Cities, said Thursday that the property tax diversion would be crippling.

"This is going to have the same effect on local services that not paying the would have — the same effect on public safety, library services, parks, public health, the general lineup of local government services," McKenzie said. "It's going to be devastating for some cities."

[The Zanti Regent]

1. Vote No on Arnold's BONDAGE!

We MUST vote NO on his asinine BORROW AND SPEND plan.

MAKE ARNOLD RAISE TAXES ON JAY LENO AND HIS OTHER RICH PALS!

[dfong63]

6. amen

[Norquist Nemesis]

2. I feel sorry for Californians

I really do. The republicans dirty handed powergrab is just devastating. Well, at least the shit Arnie's pulling ain't gonna bring the electoral votes to GW.

[0rganism]

3. How's the "recall arnold" petition drive going?

Seems like he had his chance, and he's blowing it out his ass.

Time to recall him and find someone competent and charismatic for the replacement ballot.

[dusty64]

11. I'm wondering the same thing.

What are the thoughts of the People of California about all this? As I live far away, I'm a bit ignorant about what happened with the enron settlement. Can someone fill me in?

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. Governor Wil... err Arnie

what will happen when we all call 9.11 and nobody comes?

Will that be a good enough tax cut for you?

[dfong63]

5. more like...

what will happen when we all call 9.11 and nobody comes?

you call 911 and no one answers. :(

[rucky]

9. What will happen when Arnie's maid can't come to work?

[revcarol]

7. Expect this thread to light up like a Christmas tree tomorrow.

Was listening to a broadcast from CA on my way home from DK Meet-up, and the budget details they were predicting sound horrendous!!Libraries, schools roads, drastic tuition increases for community colleges...where will be ANY quality of life for Californians?

[theoceansnerves]

8. sure there will!

if you define quality of life as driving a mercedes benz without having to pay the DREADED 'car tax'!!

[hadrons]

10. Ah-nold masters the good old 'switch & bait' ....

Dumbya is proud