Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich joined his colleagues Supervisors Don Knabe and Zev Yaroslavsky, California Contract Cities Association President Mayor Frank V. Zerunyan (Rolling Hills Estates), and Independent Cities Association Mayor Kevin Stapleton (Covina), at a press conference with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger calling on the State Legislature not to raid Proposition 1A funds to balance the State budget.

“I applaud Governor Schwarzenegger’s commitment to preserve Proposition 1A and protect our local revenues.  In 2004, 83% of California voters sent a message to our state legislature — that local tax revenues remain with local government and be spent for local purposes,” said Antonovich.  “It is unfortunate that the legislature has become stone deaf and forgot who elected them to office, as they look primed to raid our local funds once more to balance their budget.”

“Here in Los Angeles County, with the protection of our local dollars, we have been able to invest in our public safety departments — hiring 50 additional prosecutors, over 600 Sheriff Deputies, 3,300 jail beds, and 700 new positions in our Probation Department, said Antonovich.

Noting that 49 other states have enacted budgets, Antonovich called on the need for a part-time legislature and a 2-year budget.

“Right now many teachers amid uncertainty over the state budget are looking for other jobs, a two-year budget brings fiscal stability to this state. Also, California is one of only 10 states in the nation with a full-time legislature – it is not surprising that it is also among one of the most taxed states along with Massachusetts and New York.  A part-time legislature would force lawmakers to focus on vital issues such as balancing a budget and not have the freedom to create so many new bills,” added Antonovich.