Budget Bills Make It To First Base - Not a Home Run
As expected, the House Appropriations Committee met this week and approved a preliminary budget proposal that attempts to close the projected $3 billion funding gap for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010. The ten appropriations bills contain $670 million in spending cuts, $394 million in fund sweeps, and rely on an infusion of $989 million in federal stimulus funds.
On Monday, a PLAN ALERT was sent to you stating the City's concern with HB 2635; 2009-2010 budget reconciliation; revenues. The bill, among other things, opens the door to a "voluntary contribution" of $210 million from cities and towns across the state and transfer that money to the State’s general fund. In exchange for this gift, cities would be permitted to use impact fee balances (otherwise know as development fees) to backfill their general fund. A legal opinion released by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns declares this proposition unconstitutional.
Thank you to everyone who took time to contact legislators to express concerns!
"Understanding Your State Legislature" Workshops
The May 4 workshop hosted by Government Relations attracted more than 50 attendees. Sen. John Huppenthal (R-Chandler/Phoenix) presented his perspective on how to get involved with the legislative process and took questions from the audience. Staff then presented an overview of how a bill becomes a law and provided materials for everyone.
The May 11 workshop begins at 5 p.m. in the Pulliam Auditorium at the Burton Barr Central Library. Four guest legislators are scheduled to provide insight into the workings of the State Legislature. R.S.V.P now online or call Robert at 602-262-1833.
Our city's budget for next fiscal year (July 2009-June 2010) was adopted in February and includes difficult cuts that impact services in our community. Remember to SHOP PHOENIX and tell your legislators to protect city revenues!
Source: P.L.A.N.
phoenix politics, phoenix political blog
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment