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Los Angeles City Council holds budget hearings over Mayor Villaraigosa's proposed budget
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa released the Los Angeles city budget Wednesday.
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Los Angeles City Council holds budget hearings over Mayor Villaraigosa's proposed budget
Los Angeles City Council holds budget hearings over Mayor Villaraigosa's proposed budget
The Los Angeles City Council this week begins scrutinizing the mayor’s proposed $7 billion budget.
When the mayor unveiled his plan last week, the city’s chief administrative officer Miguel Santana said L.A.'s financial picture is looking up. “Our revenue has stabilized. We saw a freefall last year of our revenue last year. That has ended.”
L.A. still faces a $460 million deficit because revenues remain flat, and pension and health care costs continue to rise. The mayor’s proposed unpaid furlough days for city workers, if they refuse to contribute more to their pension and health care plans. The results of a labor union vote on the issue come Wednesday.
The City Council’s budget committee chair Bernard Parks will convene hearings on the mayor’s plan. He’s raised concerns about its optimistic revenue projections, and its plan to cover part of the deficit by borrowing $43 million.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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