Governor Brown Vetoes Senator Roth’s New City Funding Bill

MORENO VALLEY>> While commending Senator Richard D. Roth’s “tireless commitment,” California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed Roth’s proposal to restore lost funding to Riverside County’s four newest cities. “While I am disappointed to see this effort vetoed, I am encouraged to see the Governor’s recognition of the financial plight of our region’s new cities," Roth said "While helpful, one-time funding has not resolved our cities struggle to provide essential services to residents. I look forward to working with Governor Brown to find a way to resolve this ongoing challenge for our cities." In his veto message, Brown said, “While I commend Senator Roth’s tireless commitment to assist the cities, this bill requires the state to make additional and long-term General Fund spending commitments. As such, this proposal must be considered in light of other budget priorities during upcoming budget deliberations.” In 2011, one of the steps the legislature took to close the state’s budget gap was to pass Senate Bill 89 which eliminated Vehicle License Fee revenue allocated to newly incorporated cities and annexed areas. SB 817 restores this funding, which every other newly incorporated city in California had received.