Governor Schwarzenegger slipped a last minute plan into his budget that would allow the state to take a portion of local governments’ tax revenues.
Gas tax revenues provide nearly $750 million in funding to local governments and fund services related to traffic improvements. Although we all understand the gravity of the state’s financial problems, our cities are hurting too, and a reduction in our already dwindling funds would have severe and very real consequences. I am especially troubled by the Governor’s proposal because the state would not even be required to pay back the funds.
Contact state leaders to tell them to keep their hands off local gas tax revenues! We need to find solutions that protect our cities.