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Health & Fitness

Prop 22...Where Are You?

Remember Proposition 22?

Remember the proposition that was passed by the voters last year?? Proposition 22 was a well written proposition that simply states that the state cannot take, borrow or otherwise grab funds that are specifically earmarked for local government agencies. The voters of California agreed that state lawmakers need to do what our own cities need to do each year…balance a budget!

Cities like Foster City look at the revenue and expenses. We set aside money over the years to create a reserve so that when there is an economic downturn, we can carry on with our service levels to the best of our ability. Of course we must adjust where necessary so we can balance the budget. That may mean making cuts and staff reductions. As simple, as this sounds state lawmakers just don’t get it.  The voters said enough is enough, first with the passage of Proposition 1A in 2004 and then with Proposition 22 in 2010. However, state lawmakers and the special interest groups who pull their strings have turned around and are doing everything possible to continue chipping away at local government control. Let’s face it pulling the plug on redevelopment agencies will have long range negative effects on cities across the state.

The Governor keeps saying he wants to take matters like tax extensions to the voters for them to decide in his quest to try to turn the state’s budget problems around. He wants the voters to have a say. How hypocritical! The voters passed prop 22, they spoke and state lawmakers still aren’t listening. It’s time state lawmakers do the job they were elected to do…Work for the people! 

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Look at the “academy award” performance by the lawmakers last month when they passed a budget in time to continue to get paid. The democratic lawmakers new the governor would veto their proposed budget but it was their way of getting around the voter’s demand that they not get paid without a budget. Do they really think we are that stupid?? I’m a little concerned that those in control in Sacramento think they can continue to live by their “smoke and mirror” tactics.

It’s time the voters of California take back control of the state government. What’s happened to pension reform? Three out of four Californians view the money spent on public employees’ pensions as a big problem. What happened to reforming redevelopment; what happened to keeping local control?? What is happening in Sacramento? It’s time we hold our state lawmakers accountable.  Check on their voting records. It’s time to clean the slate and let’s get lawmakers working for us and not special interests. The voices of the people are being ignored.

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