News
Assemblywoman Oropeza Decries Diversion Of Prop 42 Road & Highway Funding in New CA Budget
(July 29, 2004) -- LB area Assemblywoman Jenny Oropeza (D., LB-Carson), chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee (and formerly chair of the Assembly Budget Committee) has blasted the diversion of Prop 42 road and highway funding in the budget agreement reached between state legislators and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Assemblywoman Oropeza voted for the budget deal (as did Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal (D., LB-SP-PV) and in a written release stated:
The good news is that the budget repays a portion of the $2 billion that has been borrowed over the years from critically needed transportation projects to balance annual budgets. Unfortunately, we are once again breaking faith with 70 percent of voters who, in March 2002, passed Proposition 42, which called for using taxes collected at the pump to build and repair our highway system.
Since Prop. 42 passed, the money has never gone to its intended purpose. The problems of congestion and crumbling roads and highways will continue to multiply until we stop diverting transportation money to other purposes. Upholding the wishes of the people in this matter should be a high priority for this Legislature.
Assemblywoman Oropeza added, "This is a far from perfect state budget, and we still face enormous challenges putting our fiscal house in order. But we kept faith with those of limited means and those who want to improve themselves by going to college."
Return To Front Page
Contact us: mail@LBReport.com
|