Dear Editor:
Sixty-seven years ago, in 1935, the state agreed to collect the
VLF for cities and counties but these funds remained local
revenues.
Dear Editor:
Sixty-seven years ago, in 1935, the state agreed to collect the VLF for cities and counties but these funds remained local revenues.
In 1986, the voters of this state overwhelming passed a Constitutional amendment saying that VLF belonged to the cities and counties of this state, and to ensure Sacramento could not misuse this money.
In 1998, Gov. Gray Davis and the legislature decided to give motorists a “temporary rebate” on the amount of vehicle license fees they pay.
The state agreed to provide the difference between the amount collected and the amount due as “backfill” so that local services would remain intact. The agreement stated that should the state’s fiscal condition decline, the state would resume collecting and remitting the full VLF amount.
That day has arrived! For Gilroy VLF constitute 8 percent of our city’s general revenues. More than 75 percent of our city’s general tax revenues fund police and fire services. And now with the addition of full paramedic coverage for Gilroy, this funding is even more critical.
The many legislators who support the reinstatement of the VLF are showing a strong commitment to maintaining local services, public health and safety. They are putting the people ahead of their own political agendas.
Legislators from both sides of the aisle should support this measure and send it to Gov. Davis for his signature and keep the promise that every one of them, Democrat and Republican, campaigned on: Support local communities and stop Sacramento’s continuing to harm city’s budgets!
Tom Springer, Mayor of Gilroy
Submitted Tuesday, Feb. 4 to ed****@****ic.com
