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Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board receive a presentation from the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) regarding their position on the initiative CSAC, the sheriff's association, and the probation officers association filed in November. (Est. Time: 15 Min.)
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Background:
On January 5, 2012 at a special meeting, the CSAC Board of Directors voted to suspend pursuit of the initiative CSAC, the sheriffs association, and the probation officers association filed in November. The initiative would provide constitutionally protected revenues for 2011 realignment and protections for future costs associated with realigned programs.
Governor Brown spent the better part of an hour addressing the CSAC Board and answering questions, attempting to convince them to support his own initiative, which is awaiting its official title and summary and fiscal analysis. The Governor's initiative contains substantially the same realignment protection language as CSAC's sponsored measure, but would also temporarily hike the state sales tax rate and high-income earners' personal income tax rate. The initiative earmarks money from the taxes for schools, but much of it would indirectly benefit the state's General Fund. The Governor's budget plan relies heavily on the initiative's success.
After the Governor's presentation, the Board engaged in a lengthy and frank discussion of the two measures' relative merits and costs, as well as the political landscape. In the end, board members did not vote to approve the Governor's initiative, but did choose to suspend all activities related to passing CSAC's initiative, including beginning to gather signatures. CSAC will continue discussions with the Governor regarding his measure and the Board will determine a position on that measure at a future date when more information is available.
Reason for Recommendation: During the budget update on January 10, 2012, the Board requested that a representative from CSA...
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