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Amidst Financial Crisis, L.A. Budget Committee Adds 2 Members, Schedules 11 Meetings
 
 
 Photo by Open Air Control Testing Ground via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
 Here we go, Los Angeles. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa handed out his latest budget proposal last week and now comes its dissection by city councilmembers. Considering the dire state of the city's budget--we're running around a $222 million deficit right now--this year is especially important so Council President Eric Garcetti last week appointed two more members to the Budget & Finance Committee, adding Jan Perry and Dennis Zine. 
"I am elated to join the budget team and start tackling some of the most critical issues facing our City," said Zine. "As a committee member, I am determined to get back to basics and fund the services that people expect from municipal government while cutting back on waste. My goals are to define and prioritize essential government functions, be the taxpayers' advocate, and set a credible and prudent tone for the full Council discussions."
The seven-member committee, with Councilmember and former LAPD Chief Bernard Parks in charge, will begin looking through Villaraigosa's budget tomorrow and continuing through at least May 11th in a series of 11 scheduled meetings (see full schedule below). Tomorrow's meeting will focus on Public Safety, Police and Fire. All meetings will be at City Hall and broadcasted on Channel 35.
TUESDAY- APRIL 27, 2010
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Anticipated Agenda: 
- Presentation of the Proposed Budget by the Mayor’s Office
- Overview of the Proposed Budget by the City
- Administrative Officer (CAO)
- General Managers to answer questions on the following budgets, CAO comments follow.
- Public Safety
- Police
- Fire 
WEDNESDAY - APRIL 28, 2010
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
THURSDAY - APRIL 29, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
FRIDAY - APRIL 30, 2010
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m
MONDAY - MAY 3, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2010
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m
WEDNESDAY - MAY 5, 2010
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
THURSDAY - MAY 6, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
FRIDAY - MAY 7, 2010
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
MONDAY - MAY 10, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
TUESDAY - MAY 11, 2010
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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