Editor's Note
For a printable copy of Priority Focus please visit the League Web site.
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Federal Economic Stimulus Package Passed by House
Wednesday afternoon the U.S. House of Representatives passed their version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Act) (HR 1) by a vote of 244-188. The cost of the package totals $819 billion, and consists of nearly $550 billion for upgrades to transportation, infrastructure, construction, health care programs, education and housing assistance, and energy efficiency projects, and $275 billion in personal and business tax credits.
[FULL STORY]
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No Budget Deal
There may be progress on the State budget, but it’s not visible to the thousands of Capitol watchers waiting for news that a deal is near.
“Big Five” discussions occurred several days this week. The pressure to reach a solution is growing, as the state approaches the beginning of February – the month that State Controller John Chiang identified as a time when he expects the state to run out of cash sufficient to pay all its bills. Without a budget solution, Chiang has said that some vendors will receive IOU’s instead of actual payment, as he juggles the available funding to cover as many priority obligations as possible.
[FULL STORY]
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AB 32 Implementation Update
With the passage of the AB 32 Scoping Plan by the California State Air Resources Board (ARB) in December 2008 (see “Air Board Adopts Climate Change Scoping Plan” – Priority Focus, Dec. 12, 2008) we now begin the two year process to implement the proposals outlined in the plan. Yesterday, the ARB provided an updated timeline of those ideas for 2009 and beyond.
[FULL STORY]
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Upcoming Legislative Hearing to Address Group Homes
Mark you calendars now for the Wednesday, Feb. 18 informational hearing of the Assembly Human Services Committee, from 1:30 – 5 p.m. at the State Capitol. The hearing will focus on siting of residential facilities for people with disabilities and children.
[FULL STORY]
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2009 League of California Cities Planners Institute, March 25 – 27
Don’t miss out on this year’s Planners Institute, filled with educational sessions designed to meet the priorities of planning professionals, as well as invaluable strategy sessions and networking opportunities. The Institute will be held on March 25-27 in Anaheim at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. You will want to attend if you are a: Planning Director, Redevelopment Director, Planning Commissioner, Planning Staff, Community Development Director, Mayor or Council Member
[FULL STORY]
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League Forms Water Task Force
Over the last year, water supply, conveyance, quality and conservation have been actively discussed at League meetings. Last summer, the League Board of Directors created a specific forum for consideration of water policy issues by approving a new Water Task Force. The scope of the new Task Force is broad: water supply, conveyance, conservation, quality, wastewater and stormwater. The board’s direction to the Task Force is two-fold: first, what should be the League’s involvement in statewide water policy discussions? Second, if the League should be involved, then should the Task Force develop policies or principles to assist in that involvement, to be voted on by League Policy Committees and the Board of Directors?
[FULL STORY]
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Assembly Committee Appointments Announced
Assembly Speaker Karen Bass this week announced her appointments to all Assembly legislative committees. The chairmanships had been announced the week of Jan. 16, but the information on the memberships of the various committees had not yet been made public.
[FULL STORY]
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Helen Putnam Awards: Celebrating Excellence in City Government
Enter Your City’s Innovative Program Today and Compete for Statewide Recognition
Each year the League of California Cities honors outstanding work in cities across the state through the League Partner-sponsored Helen Putnam Awards for Excellence. If your city has done remarkable, innovative work in any of the 10 categories listed below now is the time to get your deserved recognition. It is an opportunity to thank your employees and collaborators, gain the appreciation of your residents and feel proud of outstanding contributions made to better your city.
[FULL STORY]
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Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff
Visit (and bookmark!) the League’s Legislative Resources Web page (www.cacities.org/legresources). You’ll find a roster and contact information for the League’s legislative staff; the online Bill Search program, background materials on lobbying your legislators, and more.
[FULL STORY]
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