Legislators hold forum on budget today

State Sen. Jack Scott (D-Burbank) and Assemblyman Dario Frommer

(D-Burbank) are co-hosting a town hall meeting today on the state

budget crisis and how it will affect the area.

The event is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Buena Vista

Library, 300 N. Buena Vista St.

The legislators will discuss proposed budget cuts and listen to

concerns of officials from public safety agencies, cities, schools,

labor, health care and local business.

The state has a budget shortfall estimated to be between $25

billion and $35 billion. Gov. Gray Davis’ proposed budget includes

cuts that local officials are concerned will hurt cities.

“The state Legislature will be making some painful decisions in

what we all agree is one of the worst fiscal climates to hit

California in over 70 years,” said Doug Stone, a spokesman for Scott.

“This forum is an opportunity for the constituents to provide

invaluable input into the state resources that are essential in their

daily lives.”

Ryan Carter