Bill on Disputed Tobacco Taxes Goes to Senate
The Assembly approved legislation Tuesday to deny Los Angeles County tobacco tax revenues totaling $29.4 million--money the county had budgeted for public health care.
A 45-21 vote sent the bill, which is part of a state budget-balancing plan by lower house Democrats, to an uncertain fate in the Senate.
The arcane funding dispute can be traced to 1988 when Los Angeles County budgeted for money expected to be received when voters approved Proposition 99, which increased the cigarette tax.
Assemblyman Phillip Isenberg (D-Sacramento) contended that the county should not have budgeted the increased cigarette tax funds before voters approved the measure and before state allocation formulas were established.
“Los Angeles County spent that money before the initiative even passed,” Isenberg said. “This is a travesty that has to be stopped once and for all.
County officials contend they acted in good faith to provide additional health care services as envisioned by the proposed initiative.
Assemblyman Dave Elder (D-San Pedro), argued that the funds should remain with the heavily burdened county. “Anyone from Los Angeles County who votes for this ought to turn in their (voting) key,” he said. “County health facilities are awash with patients, many of whom come from all over the state.”
Assemblyman Tom Bane (D-Tarzana) tried but failed to obtain approval of two sets of amendments to soften the financial blow to the county.
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