MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA PROPOSES “BUDGET FOR THE STREETS” - EXPANDING ROAD REPAIR AND POLICE PATROLS

Budget plan will solve a $406 million deficit while expanding street repair by 60 miles, protecting the 1000-officer police buildup, increasing funding for new fire fighters and making major investment in gang reduction and youth development

Delivering on his promise to make necessary spending cuts while preserving public safety and core services, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa introduced a budget proposal that addresses the deficit and keeps the City’s commitment to putting 1,000 new cops on the streets by 2010.

Facing tough economic times and a $406 million shortfall, the Mayor’s $7 billion budget plan proposes to reduce City spending by $1.50 for every dollar raised in new fees and fines. While committing the City to funding public safety and core services, the Mayor’s budget expands street repair and maintenance, reorganizes and increases funding for gang prevention and intervention programs, and maintains the City’s investment in police and fire services.

”This is a budget for the streets of Los Angeles,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “It solves the deficit while expanding road repair, increasing police patrols and focusing anti-gang efforts in the streets and neighborhoods suffering most by violence.”

Mayor Villaraigosa’s proposed budget tackles the coming year’s deficit by reducing spending and streamlining the workforce. The Mayor’s budget calls for the elimination of 767 civilian positions and anticipates the $23 million in savings from “short-term” layoffs, which could take the form of mandatory furlough days or reduced work weeks for civilian City workers. more