CALL TO ACTION - THE LATEST on CA State budget actions

BizFed Leaders,

The past two days of budget negotiations in Sacramento have been intense, fractious and grim. While there is good news that the main budget bill has now been approved, the cuts it brings toward balancing CA's finances will be painful across our state and region – and there are pieces that still need our ACTION.

Yesterday, BOTH the Assembly and Senate approved the majority of state budget legislation that includes $14 billion in cuts, loans and shifted funds.

Highlights of media coverage:

·         California Healthline has a good outline of the cuts that have been approved here.

·         Read more details in the LA Times here, in the Sacramento Bee this morning here or the Contra Costa Times here.

·         The San Francisco Chronicle has a good story about the new issue complicating the usual budget pressures – the Republican spring convention in Sacramento this weekend. Read more here.

BUT lawmakers did NOT tackle a proposal to ask voters in June to approve billions in temporary TAX extensions.

And our lawmakers also still have NOT addressed several provisions within the budget package – including the proposed ELIMINATION of Community Redevelopment Agencies and Enterprise Zones.

·         While lawmakers are “on call” through the weekend, floor action is not formally scheduled to resume until 11:30 Monday morning –

·         There is a WINDOW of Opportunity to make our voices heard.

1) ENTERPRISE ZONE ACTION

Lawmakers have NOT yet acted on the proposal to eliminate Enterprise Zone tax credits. BizFed’s Board has urged reform rather than elimination.

The Californians for Jobs and Safe Communities, sponsored by the CA Assn of Enterprise Zones in Action (a coalition that includes League of Cities, BizFed, VICA, Long Beach Area Chamber, Pasadena Chamber, Redondo Beach Chamber and South Bay Assn of Chambers) is asking us to contact these legislators and remind them that EZs are proven job creators and tell them to create jobs and improve our economy by OPPOSING the EZ proposal currently in the budget: 

·         Senator Lou Correa: (916) 651-4034

·         Senator Ron Calderon: (916) 651-4030

·         Senator Rod Wright: (916) 651-4025

·         Senator Ted Lieu: (916) 651-4028

·         Senator Alex Padilla: (916) 651-4020

·         Senator Curren Price: (916) 651-4026

 

2) COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES

Lawmakers have NOT yet acted on the proposal to dismantle more than 400 redevelopment agencies in the state. BizFed’s Board has voted to oppose the proposal; local redevelopment creates jobs, safer neighborhoods, and stronger local economies.

The League of California Cities is asking us to call our legislators to tell them to vote NO on this proposal:

·         Find your Assembly Members here: www.asm.ca.gov.

·         Find your Senators here: www.sen.ca.gov

·         You can also find your legislator here by entering your zip code.

Pass this along to all of your contacts quickly. We’ll continue to keep you posted as the actions unfold.

Tracy

Tracy Rafter, CEO

BizFed, Los Angeles County Business Federation

818.429.0862 ~ tracy.rafter@bizfed.org

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