No Break from Assault on Local Control During Summer Recess

Even though the Legislature has adjourned for summer recess, defending local control is as important and timely as ever. While cities are still fighting Sacramento’s attack on redevelopment, the involuntary disincorporation of a local government should also be chief among the concerns of city officials. Assembly Bill 46 and companion bill AB 781 are still alive and well and when lawmakers reconvene on August 15th, it is imperative that local officials voice their opposition to such legislation so that Sacramento politicians hear loud and clear that cities stand together against raids of local revenues and attacks on local control. The current political and financial climate in California has led to escalating attacks on local government, so cities should not miss an important opportunity to stand up for and protect local authority.

The disincorporation of Vernon would set a dangerous precedent of allowing Sacramento to decide which cities should be allowed to exist; furthermore, the bills blatantly attack local government’s autonomy and violate the democratic rights invested in the residents of this local jurisdiction. The League of California Cities is opposed to the bills, which have already been approved by the Assembly.

The financial implications of the legislation are also worth highlighting. Notably, Vernon generates more than $330 million in state income and sales taxes and $1.1 billion in taxable spending. Vernon’s businesses provide more than 4.4 billion in salaries and wages annually for workers in Los Angeles County and the city’s 1,800 businesses create more than 105,000 jobs in the Los Angeles area. To deliver a strong message to Sacramento about the importance of Vernon’s jobs and economic contributions, workers from the city have participated in the following videos: