2010 - It’s all about the budget

The Legislature will begin the 2010 Session, a short 60 day session, on Monday, January 11 with a number of hearings as they immediately begin their work for the year - work that is clearly focused on balancing the operating budget for the remainder of the biennium.

When the Governor introduced her supplemental budget in December, she filled a hole in the biennial budget of $2.6 billion. She used $900 million in reserves and $1.7 billion in cuts. She immediately indicated this was not a budget she supports and we would see another budget in January that would "buy back" some of the proposed cuts. We have not yet seen a revised budget but the Governor has outlined the programs she would like to "buy back" – see the Municipal Finance section of the Bulletin for details.

The Governor’s budget was actually very good to cities in terms of direct allocations including current state- shared revenues. However, her supplemental budget would result in significant indirect negative impacts, particularly in our most urban areas, with large cuts to most human services programs. Law enforcement officials and many others have noted these cuts would produce a greater burden on the public safety system and that many individuals would be seeking additional assistance from their local governments. Given the lack of state funds and this economy these impacts are inevitable.

While the state budget will be key for cities this year we will also be advancing a number of proposals designed to assist you during tough economic times:

• Flexibility for existing revenue sources and existing requirements.
• Stormwater resources to meet current obligations.
• A Street Maintenance Utility to assist with critical transportation needs.

Details on each of these top priorities are included in this Bulletin.

Passage of bills associated with these priorities and others will be tough given the legislative climate but now is not the time to be passive. Cities need help to insure critical programs demanded by citizens are provided.

Please, take a minute to call or email your legislator this year. We will provide you the most recent news and updates in a timely fashion using the Legislative Bulletin and other media. If you have questions, do not understand what we have sent you, or simply need to confirm the latest information, please call us. We want to make sure your legislative contacts are productive so let us know how we can help you.

AWC’s success with the Legislature is a result of your work at home, now and throughout the year. Please let us know what you need.

Thanks!

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