Gov. Brown News Conference: Stands By His Proposal To Phase Out Redevelopment, And...

(UPDATE: Link to on-demand video Feb. 9, 2011) -- In news conference seen LIVE this morning on LBReport.com via The California Channel, Governor Jerry Brown stood by his budget proposal to phase out local Redevelopment agencies, reiterating that it would save the state $1.7 billion. (Image right: File photo CalChannel webcast)

UPDATE: To view VIDEO on-demand via the California Channel, click here. The news conference opens with the Governor announcing his decision to cancel the sale of state buildings. Additional issues raised in Q & A, starting with the budget and going on to include Redevelopment, begin at 4:00).

[As first reported last night by LBReport.com, that figure is disputed by Mayor Bob Foster who contends that the savings is closer to $600-$700 million (coverage on LBReport.com, click here.]

Governor Brown said he envisions the June special election ballot will include a constitutional amendment re government realignment of state vs. county/local government services...and in answer to a question, said he is discussing making the special election a statewide all-mail ballot.

Asked by reporters about addressing pension reform and spending cap, Governor Brown said the idea of trying to solve one complicated problem by adding others "eludes me" and added: "Just getting tax extension is very challenging, profoundly difficult...[Other reforms] add to burden and complexity."

The Governor said details of the tax extension ballot measure are still being worked out and have not yet been decided.

Pressed by a reporter on what the message would be to voters if the measure didn't pass (would schools take the budget hit), Governor Brown said he hopes the message to voters will be that the ballot measure to be offered is a fair, balanced package...and opponents should say that they're prepared for a $25 billion reduction.

The reporter followed-up by noting that Sac'to had used loans and other work-arounds in the past; why not use those now? Governor Brown replied: "That's been pilot tested, and those who do that end up very unpopular."

Further follow-up: if the tax extension measure isn't put on the ballot by the legislature or if it's rejected by voters, will you make the cuts? Governor Brown said he won't sign a budget that "kicks the can down the road."

"I will make those cuts and I think it will be very difficult for legislature to go along with that, but that's what I'm going to do. I will not follow gimmickry of past years..."

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