In This Issue:

• HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

• SACRAMENTO BUDGET UPDATE

• INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR WITHHOLDING

• BUDGET ADS YOU MAY NOT HAVE SEEN

• NORCAL CITY MANAGERS LUNCHEON

• 2009 CBPA CALENDAR

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

What started out as a celebration to mark our young nation’s independence from England more than 200 years ago, has evolved into a national holiday that celebrates the American spirit and our nation’s independent and powerful leadership in the world. Our nation was founded by recognizing a person’s inherent rights and responsibilities. We were founded on the principles of equality, religious tolerance, and opportunity. These beliefs have been challenged many times over the years, but have always been defended by men and women willing to protect these principles, sometimes by risking the ultimate sacrifice.

As you celebrate this year take a moment to reflect on the unique and great nature of this country and to thank those who have given their lives to defend our way of life, as well as the current men and women in uniform in harm’s way. Because we have the freedom to do so, we sometimes get lost in the details of whatever societal argument we are currently in and a day like the 4th of July provides a good opportunity to spend time with family and friends, enjoy our freedoms, and reflect on what a truly great nation we live in.
 

SACRAMENTO BUDGET UPDATE

The State is now $26 billion in deficit and issuing IOU’s. Both the State Senate and State Assembly have adjourned until Monday.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR WITHHOLDING

In one small bit of good news – the Governor vetoed a budget measure, which contained a number of majority vote revenue raisers, including independent contractor withholding, which we have been vociferously fighting as a huge burden on businesses with out any help to the budget.

This particular mandate is scored as a revenue raiser of nearly $2 billion, which we believe is an overestimate and takes into account revenues through 2012-13, and does not take into account negative impacts on businesses.

Here is the Governor’s Veto Message:

“I am returning Senate Bill X3 17 without my signature. I have been very clear that the Legislature must solve the entire deficit, must make the hard decisions now, and must not push the problem off to tomorrow. This bill and its companion measure, SB X3 16, do not meet any of those criteria. For these reasons, I am returning this bill without my signature.”

In Sacramento we are keeping up our lobbying efforts, as the veto was based upon the package being only a partial solution rather than the measures being bad policies. Additionally, due to the fiscal year changing on July 1st, California is now an extra $3 billion in the hole.

That is all the bad news we are going to share with you this week. Enjoy the long holiday and celebrate this country. Even as bad as this situation is, there is no greater country on Earth!
 

BUDGET ADS YOU MAY NOT HAVE SEEN

Here are a few budget ads that were produced to balance the ads that have been running for weeks paid for by public employee unions. You may not have seen these in your local market, so we present them here for your viewing pleasure….

“Meaningless” – TV Ad

“Budget Bully” – TV Ad

 

NORCAL CITY MANAGERS LUNCHEON

On October 29 NAIOP is co-sponsoring the City Managers Luncheon with Lambda Alpha International at the Dante Club in Sacramento. Eight City Managers are currently scheduled to appear and more are expected. This event will be moderated by our own Rex Hime. Sponsorship opportunities are available. See this flyer for information.

2009 CBPA CALENDAR

November 5-6, 2009
CBPA Board Meeting and
Real Estate Industry Strategic Issues Conference
Meritage Resort, Napa, CA