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Letters to the Editor

Published Thursday, 01-Jul-2010 in issue 1175

“The Governor wants to cut spending because we have a $20 billion deficit. That is understandable.”

Dear Editor:

I would like to respond to a discussion about the state budget that arose at the Greater San Diego Business Association’s annual awards lunch on June 25.

In May the Governor delivered to the legislature his revised budget, which would demolish HIV/AIDS funding and health coverage for poor children and services to the elderly and disabled that includes state-provided wheel chairs and diapers. Many other programs were slated to be cut, too. The Democrats in the Senate and the Assembly have rejected those proposed cuts, without support from our Republican colleagues.

The Governor wants to cut spending because we have a $20 billion deficit. That is understandable. I, too, want to close the budget gap. But we should consider some limited increases in revenue. We are the only oil producing state in the country that does not collect an oil severance tax from big oil corporations; temporary tobacco and alcohol taxes would help as well.

Over the next several weeks the Governor and the legislature will be working on a budget agreement. The legislature will not get everything it wants, nor will the governor. We will have to strike a balance.

My challenge will be to find agreement with some of my Republican colleagues so that HIV/AIDS funding and other vital services will not be cut. Please contact your Republican state legislators – Senators Dennis Hollingsworth and Mark Wyland, and Assembly members Nathan Fletcher, Joel Anderson, and Kevin Jefferies – and ask them to support a state budget that maintains vital services for Californians.

Senator Christine Kehoe

“Statistics have proven the issues of alcoholism and other additions are more prevalent in our community, and our goal is to continue to make a difference to these individuals and groups.”

Dear Sir or Madam,

On behalf of Live and Let Live Alano Club (LLLAC) I would like to thank you for your generous contribution to the “2010 Benefit”. Your ongoing commitment to help the LLLAC in our community is sincerely appreciated.

Each year our mission is to provide a safe, clean and sober meeting place for LGBT individuals, family and friends of the community. Since 1983 we have seen many lives changed for the better. Statistics have proven the issues of alcoholism and other additions are more prevalent in our community, and our goal is to continue to make a difference to these individuals and groups. This is only possible because of thoughtful contributions such as the Advertizing in the GLT you donated. You, along with our members and volunteers continue to keep the doors open to all who need a safe place for recovery. Thanks again for your generous support of our efforts.

Sincerely,

John Fuldner

LLLAC Executive Secretary

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