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In the News

Special Session Deadline Nears; Solutions Could be Coalescing

February 5  -- This week, the Legislature's budget committees continued hearings on the state's fiscal crisis and potential current-year budget solutions to mitigate the near-$20 billion deficit. The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee held hearings on human services and general government issues, including a discussion on the state's impending cash crisis. The committee also discussed several justice-related issues, including a proposal -- that was broadly panned -- to authorize local governments to install speed enforcement cameras. 
 
The Assembly Budget Committee also held an overview hearing, including testimony from State Controller John Chiang and Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor.

Of considerable interest to counties, the Administration proposed a cash management plan that essentially authorized the Governor to withhold nearly any state payment at any time to ensure appropriate state cash flow. The Administration's proposal was roundly criticized by the Legislative Analyst and members of the Legislature from both political parties. The Legislative Analyst did note that the Controller has authority to delay payments in order to ensure an "appropriate" $2.5 billion cash cushion.

To read more click, click here.

 
Report Finds Most Local Streets and Roads at Risk of Failing 

January 25  -- California's local streets and roads are at risk of deteriorating rapidly unless new funding sources are found, according to an independent survey conducted on behalf of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), League of California Cities and the County Engineers Association of California (CEAC).

The "California Statewide Local Streets and Roads Needs Assessment" report captured data covering more than 93 percent of the state's local streets and roads. This report, the first in more than a decade, provides a critical analysis of the local transportation network's pavement condition and funding needs.

The results are dire, showing that "California's local streets and roads are on the edge of a cliff."  If current conditions remain unchanged, the report warns that the condition statewide of the local road system will deteriorate significantly over the next 25 years.

To review the complete report, click here.