The County is thoroughly reviewing the Governor’s proposed budget to identify how it will impact Los Angeles County services and our own budget. While I absolutely believe that services are provided best when they are closest to the people receiving them, it is imperative that with the power over these programs comes the purse to pay for them.
As such, I was pleased to hear the Governor say that the State would impart the funds for any realigned programs, many of which are the final safety net for people in need. This must be a long-term commitment on the part of the State.
For years Los Angeles County has been prudently managing our finances and belt-tightening across all of our departments. Despite these efforts, global economic conditions have us facing our own $310 million shortfall for next year’s budget beginning July 1.
The State, therefore, cannot pass on its budget problems to local counties and cities, many of which are facing similar fiscal crises. We must approach these budget challenges by working together across all levels of government and party lines to find long-term solutions to funding the critical programs and services government provides