The State Legislature adopted a series of budget bills on June 15. Many people believe that the Legislature took this action to protect their own paychecks. The Legislature also adopted a “budget bill” that would eliminate the Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency along with hundreds of other city redevelopment agencies statewide. Governor Brown wisely vetoed two of the major budget bills (SB 69 and 98) on June 16.
In his veto message, the Governor stated that the Legislature’s budget contains “legally questionable maneuvers, costly borrowing and unrealistic savings.” The State’s budget mess is occurring as Signal Hill’s residents and businesses work hard every day to support their families and our community, pay their taxes and their bills on time. Why should the Legislature and the State’s budget be any different?
We do not know at this time if the Governor plans to veto the bill to eliminate redevelopment agencies (SB 1X 14). The Legislature also passed a “budget bill” that would ransom redevelopment agencies for another $1.7 billion this year (SB 1X 15). Both bills are unconstitutional and will not result in additional funds for the State’s budget. We urge the Governor to veto SB 1X 14 and SB 1X 15, since they are legally questionable and more budget “smoke and mirrors” from our Legislature. Signal Hill’s residents and businesses deserve better representation from our State’s elected officials.
Larry Forester
Mayor
Signal Hill
