L.A. Budget Blues
A $190-million revenue shortfall will cause a substantial paring of public services in the city of Los Angeles, under a proposed budget submitted by Mayor Tom Bradley. Most of the reductions are because of a continuing 3-year-old freeze on new hiring. Even deeper cuts are anticipated when the state government completes its budget this summer. THE GOOD
Imposes no new taxes.
Maintains staffing in police and fire departments.
Purchases police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and street sweepers.
THE BAD
Reduces the hours of an after-school program for 8,400 students.
Reduces most libraries from six days to five days of service a week.
Closes recreation centers another three hours weekly; they would be open for an average of only 35 hours a week.
Reduces street resurfacing from 140 miles to 100 miles for the year.
THE UGLY
Eliminates window cleaning at City Hall and other city buildings.
Delays painting of traffic markings so streets remain “black” for weeks after completion.
Shifts vehicle maintenance from a prevention to a “breakdown” mode.
Cuts nearly in half grants for artists, festivals and a citywide mural program.
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