Dear Friend,

Restoring funding to Riverside County's four newly incorporated cities has been one of my top priorities since I took office in December 2012.

That's why I am happy to announce that after over two-and-a-half years of intensive negotiations with Governor Brown, the Department of Finance and numerous stakeholders, the Governor has finally agreed to include funding in his revised budget to save Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Menifee and Wildomar.

This was not simply an issue of lost money, but also an issue of fairness and equity. When the State redirected Vehicle License Fee (VLF) monies to public safety realignment in 2011, Riverside County's four newest cities lost funding every other new California city had previously received. These cities lost this funding through no fault of their own.

By some reports, one of those new cities - Jurupa Valley - lost nearly 30% of its general fund and faced disincorporation. Three other cities - Eastvale, Menifee and Wildomar - also lost their share of funds.

I am proud to have delivered this major victory for our region by working closely with Governor Brown over the last two years to secure the full amount our cities need to alleviate their existing debt burden and prevent disincorporation.

As always, it is an honor to serve you.

Respectfully,

Richard D. Roth
Senator, 31st District