HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/17/2012 08B Update on Council Retreat Planning bc-fed i/r z/ rZ
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CITY OF YAKIMA
2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
CRIMINAL JUSTICE -- GANGS
Support legislation that provides for a comprehensive approach to address the growing presence
of criminal street gangs throughout the state, including:
• Funding for gang prevention and intervention strategies
•
• Gang Nuisance Abatement Efforts
• Anti -Gang Protection Orders
• Increased penalties for gang intimidation
• Proceeds form forfeited property to local communities for criminal street gang- related
law enforcement activities
• Sentencing enhancements for gang related offenses, and the use of civil injunctions on
known gang members and enterprises
• Provide landlords and law enforcement with the tools, to identify and expeditiously
remove squatters, gang influences, and those engaged in criminal activities from rental
properties
Public Defense Funding & Standards:
• Support additional funding for local grants through =the Office of Public Defense
• Oppose efforts to impose additional unfunded mandates that increase costs to local
governments and mandate case load requirements for public defenders.
FISCAL-HEALTH AND FLEXIBILITY
Ensure continued appropriation of committed state shared funds (such as Streamlined Sales
Tax Mitigation, City - County Assistance Account, Liquor Excise Tax, Local Infrastructure
Financing Tool, and public health funding).
Preserve existing local revenue authorities; and retain current authorities — neither add new
requirements nor take currentauthorities away.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS
Maintain existing and establish new and broad application of existing tax incentives to promote
economic development and infrastructure expansion.
Increase Existing Grant and Loan Programs to stay current with'construction inflation: This
includes the Public Works Assistance Account (Public Works Trust Fund); Transportation
Improvement Board; WSDOT Highways and Local Programs (i.e. Bicycle /Pedestrian Programs).
PERSONNEL & LABOR RELATIONS
Pursue amendments to criteria for binding interest arbitration: Consider other factors such
as ability to pay, economic conditions and other regional characteristics.
Pension Funding: Pursue level /stable contribution rates that do not fluctuate with economic
"boom/bust" cycles. Defer any increase in employer contributions from July 2011 to January
2012.
PREEMPTION OF LOCAL AUTHORITY & UNFUNDED MANDATES
Oppose legislation that preempts local authority over policy or operational prerogatives that have
historically and traditionally been vested with local government.
Oppose unfunded mandates on local government, especially those that would result in the loss of
existing revenue or revenue authority.
PUBLIC RECORDS
Address public records abuses that drive up local costs without enhancing real transparency or
the public's right to know. .
LIQUOR ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES
Support continued state funding for the Liquor Control Board's enforcement operations
including advocating for increased enforcement levels to address the public safety impacts of
expanded sales and availability of liquor.
MEDICAL CANNABIS
Reform policies and regulations in order to provide more clarity on the medical marijuana law to
give local government better guidance on how to address this issue.