Chico Peace and Justice Center

March 11, 2010
Chico City Council Chambers (411 Main Street)

The Northern California State Budget Alliance hosted a town hall meeting to discuss the current state budget crisis.  Representatives from various community sectors, a local economist, and a tax expert discussed community needs and concerns as compared to the Governor’s proposed budget. Time was also dedicated for citizen input with many suggestions about next steps.

During this economic downturn and the predicted $20 billion state budget shortfall, the Governor has proposed a budget that drastically cuts spending by at least 10% in almost every state department. This move would cut services for many Californians, especially the poor, the elderly and the disabled.

On a panel discussion, representatives from business, education, social services and health care sectors shared the concerns of their constituents.  Representatives included:

• Jolene Francis, President/CEO, Chico Chamber of Commerce
• Les Jauron, Vice President for Planning and Information, Butte College
• Evan LeVang, Executive Director, Independent Living Services of Northern California
• Eileen Schnitger- Director of Public Policy, Women’s Health Specialist

Frederica Shockley, chair of the Economics Department at CSU Chico, provided an overview of the Governor’s proposed budget.  Lenny Goldberg, executive director of the California Tax Reform Association, presented his article Low Hanging Fruit in the Tax System: 10 Policies for $20 Billion.  Both Shockley and Goldberg answered questions about the state budget crisis.

The Northern California State Budget Alliance is a partnership among community service organizations, agencies and businesses to advance fair and economically sound solutions to our ongoing state budget crises. We believe that all who benefit from California’s economy and infrastructure should pay their fair share to maintain public services.

• "Working Together for a Strong California"