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Villaraigosa Had 'great meeting' With Obama, Other Mayors
Over 200 of the country's mayors met with President Obama and Vice President Biden behind closed doors in Washington DC today to discuss the economic climate and the pressing issue of job creation.
In attendance was L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who left the meeting feeling positive about the president and what was discussed, according to Fox. Villaraigosa said following what he called a "great meeting," that Obama is clearly "a president who is focused on our cities."
One significant concern is the possible slashing of the budget for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), which is "the federal program that provides cash to municipalities for economic development, low-income housing and other needs." Currently Los Angeles is the recipient of the third-largest CDBG grant, having last been granted $77.9 million from that fund. The fate of the fund remains undecided, though GOP sources have said that nothing in the federal budget is safe from potential cuts.
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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
