Politicians from around San Diego gathered Wednesday to complain about California’s proposed budget deal. KPBS reporter Katie Orr says area leaders aren’t going to give up local money without a fight.
The League of California Cities is preparing to file lawsuits against the state the day the budget is passed. It’s going to sue to prevent the state from taking gas taxes and redevelopment funds from local governments. Ron Morrison, president of the League’s San Diego County Division and Mayor of National City, says California’s bond rating is at an historical low. He says that'll make it hard for cities to borrow against the money the state might take.
“Cities will have an extremely difficult time going and saying, 'we want to borrow money based on the state’s promises and ability to pay it back,'” Morrison says.
He also says the state’s budget deal is like your neighbor getting into debt and expecting you to bail them out.
Area leaders say California needs to solve its own problems without raiding local governments.
