FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2010
Contact: Gino Folchi
916-319-2073
Harkey Calls For Fiscal Responsibility
High Speed Rail Authority will be held accountable for taxpayer dollars
SACRAMENTO – In a rare moment of clarity, financial accountability and fiscal responsibility received bipartisan support on the Assembly floor today. AB 2121, joint authored by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey (R-Dana Point) and Cathleen Galgiani (D-Livingston) passed out of the Assembly with unanimous support.
“We all know that Sacramento has a spending problem and much of the blame lies with lack of accountability,” Harkey said. “Regardless if one supports or opposes the High Speed Rail system – we don’t need high-speed spending without accountability. The buck should stop with the Legislature.”
AB 2121 includes a requirement for a 6 year financial plan and annual reporting and tracking. All available information on any necessary taxes, fees, bonds, or other indebtedness, to pay for the construction of the high-speed train network is also required.
“Given the size, scope and potential financial impact on this state, my concern is that we will see a de funding of local transit, the seizing of private property, higher taxes and billions in debt – all in the name of improving public transit.”
The bill will be heard next in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee.
Assemblywoman Harkey represents the 73rd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Oceanside, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
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