Governor Davis Promises To Protect Essential City Revenues

    SACRAMENTO, Calif.--Dec. 19, 2001--Speaking to approximately 1,600 city officials at the League of California Cities' annual conference today, Governor Davis promised to preserve essential local government funds known as the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) backfill, in spite of the tight state budget anticipated in 2002.
    "I promise you this," said Davis to the standing-room-only crowd at the Sacramento Convention Center. "I will not balance this budget on the backs of local government. I will fight to see you receive funds from the vehicle license fee to provide important services. I am committed to treat local governments like partners, not scapegoats."
    "This is good news for cities who are struggling to balance budgets impacted both by increased homeland defense costs and a very tough economy," said Long Beach Mayor Beverly O'Neill, incoming President of the League of California Cities. "The VLF backfill represents $1 billion in revenues for cities -- funds that we use to pay for police and fire, emergency response and other essential services."
    "We appreciate the spirit of partnership the Governor expressed today," added O'Neill. "We look forward to working with him on public safety, transportation, housing and other critical needs in the months ahead."