Measure proposed to stop California from taking money from local gov'ts

As California's budget crisis continues, the relationship between local and state governments has been further intensified, as the state is attempting to get more from the local governments, while the local governments are trying to stop it.

A ballot measure has been proposed by elected officials from local governments to stop the State of California from taking money from municipalities to balance the state budget. Supporters of the measure announced Thursday they have enough signatures to qualify the measure for the November ballot to let voters decide.

The ballot measure, the Local Taxpayer, Public Safety and Transportation Act would amend California's state constitution to stop state lawmakers from "raiding, diverting or borrowing" funds earmarked for local public safety, street and road repair, public transportation, local infrastructure and other public services.

Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido, city council members from Laguna Hills, Placentia, Stanton and Fountain Valley announced at a news conference Thursday that more than 1 million signatures have been collected statewide for the measure, including 90,000 from Orange County.

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