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State Budget Deal Struck, Some State Parks Likely to Close
A budget deal was agreed on last night between top legislators and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Part of that deal was cutting $8 million from the state parks system, saving the majority of parks from the original proposal to cut around $70 million forcing the closure of 80% of them.
The deal doesn't raise any taxes or fees but takes a heavy toll on other services including county and city budgets. Billions will be taken from local coffers affecting a wide range of services including transportation and redevelopment. At least some of it will have to be paid back within three years with interest.
Other major cuts include $6 billion to K-12 and Community Colleges, close $3 billion for UC and CSU systems and $1.3 from MediCal. The deal also includes cost saving measures such as allowing school district to cut five days from the school year and expanding drilling off the Santa Barbara coast within a limited scope.
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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.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
