Protection Local Tax Revenues

By Stephany E. Aguilar

Over the last twelve years, the California State Legislature has siphoned increasing amounts of local tax revenues from cities, counties and special districts. It is no doubt time to change this public policy and regain local control of our tax dollars.

How can we deal with this issue?

Restoring local control of our communities' tax revenues has been and continues to be my goal. As a member of the Fiscal Reform Steering Committee with the League of California Cities, I worked with the committee to initiate a California Constitutional Amendment to protect local tax dollars and provide vital services. The "Local Taxpayer and Public Safety Protection Act" will appear on the November 2004 ballot. As a keynote speaker at numerous community organizations, I have informed many individuals regarding the importance of the passage of this constitutional amendment. I will continue to work for the passage of the "Local Taxpayer and Public Safety Protection Act" to ensure adequate funding for vital services and maintaining local control of our tax dollars. With the passage of this constitutional amendment, Santa Cruz County and its neighboring cities will once again have the ability to address the needs for road improvements, police, fire protection, health and human care services, parks, libraries and more. For further information on this constitutional amendment, please visit http://www.cacities.org.