HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 08101993 - 1.68 SACRAMENTO OFFICE'
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SAN FRANCISCO.CALIFORNIA 94102
14151557-0784 WILLIE LEWIS BROWN, JR.
DISTRICT OFFICE
300 SOUTH SPRING STREET SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY
SUITE 16505
LOS ANGELES.CALIFORNIA 90013
(2 13)620,4356
RECEIVED
I ju' 2 8 M
CLERK BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CONTRA COSTA CO.
July 13, 1993
Tom Torlakson
651 Pine Street #106
Martinez, CA 94553
Dear Mr. Torlakson:
Thank you for your letter regarding the $2 . 6 billion dollar
property tax shift from local governments to schools. Please
forgive any delay in my response.
The well-being of your community is a serious concern for each
member of the State Legislature. The state's 1993 - 1994 budget
is the first in eight years to be passed in a timely manner. I
believe the reason for this accomplishment was a true bipartisan
commitment to the people of California.
The $2 . 6 billion dollar property tax shift, embodied in SB 1135 was
a vital component of the budget proposed by Governor Wilson. A
thorough analysis on the part of Democrats and Republicans deemed
this action necessary to help offset a proposed $9 billion state
budget shortfall . Based on research conducted by the Legislative
Analyst's Office, California's local governments, cities, counties,
special districts, and redevelopment agencies, receive more than
$64 billion in total annual revenues. Taking into account the
total pool of local governments and offsetting them with the
revenues generated by extending the half-cent sales tax, savings
from workers' compensation reform, elimination of numerous state
mandates, and a one time transportation fund grant, the net impact
on local governments is equal to less than 1% of their total
statewide revenues. In addition, certain special districts such
as fire, water, hospital, and sanitation are exempted from this
shift. All moneys generated from the half-cent sales tax are
earmarked for public safety such as, police, fire, criminal
prosecution, sheriffs and other essential services.
C-
Printed on Recycled Paper
The State's 1993 - 1994 budget ensures the extension of the half-
cent sales tax until December 31 , 1993. However, in order to
continue this much needed source of revenue for public safety, a
statewide vote is required. This statewide special election is
scheduled for November 2 , 1993. This measure, known as Senate
Constitutional Amendment 1 (SCA 1) , levies a half-cent sales and
use tax beginning January 1 , 1994 in all 58 counties if it is
approved by a majority of California's voters.
I do hope this information addresses your concerns regarding the
effects of the $2 . 6 billion shift of local property taxes to local
schools. This action ensures that California's most precious
resource, its children, are protected and makes certain our K-12
public education system maintains its current level of resources
for classroom instruction_.
Sincerely,
ILLIE L. BROWN, JR. '
Speaker of the Assembly
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