Send strong message to Washington, endorse passage of clean appropriations bill. 

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles City Council today sent a powerful message to Washington, unanimously approving a resolution put forward by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, urging the House of Representatives to end partisan brinkmanship to end the federal government shutdown.

“It is time for the Republican controlled House to stop playing games with the full faith and credit of the United States,” said Councilmember Blumenfield. “They are playing a dangerous game that is hurting Los Angeles, that is hurting all Americans. As the nation's second largest City, we have serious concerns about the impacts of a government shutdown on our City and our region if this crisis is not resolved quickly.”

"Let's hope the leaders of the federal government will soon come to their senses. The interests of our people should outweigh any political posturing. I'm glad our city leadership is keeping a close eye on developments,” said Council President Herb Wesson.

The resolution followed a report from the Chief Legislative Analyst and Chief Administrative Officer on the impacts to the City stemming from Congress’s failure this week to avoid a shutdown of the federal government.

In his testimony, Chief Legislative Analyst Gerry Miller described the potential consequences, both directly to the City and to the economy at large—consequences which would multiply should Congress remain unable to come to resolution on the debt limit as “very serious.” Miller noted that local impacts of federal furloughs currently are reducing the number of USDA inspectors at the Port of Los Angeles, employees who help ensure that imported food is safe. Further he noted that if the shutdown is prolonged, the Department of Aging may be affected, including potentially reducing or eliminating Meals on Wheels deliveries to seniors.

Blumenfield's resolution, approved today, calls on Congress to pass a clean comprehensive appropriations package for fiscal year 2014 and to deal with unrelated legislative and political aims separately.

The City is budgeted to receive more than $457 million in federal funds this year. These funds support a wide range of services to the people of Los Angeles including programs for senior citizens, victim witness programs, community development, homeland security, COPS hiring, and more 

“If Congressional Republicans wish to repeal Obamacare and restrict access to healthcare for millions of Americans they can try to do that on their own time, but not at the expense of the wellbeing and peace of mind of Americans here in Los Angeles and around the country,” concluded Blumenfield.

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield is a recognized expert on budget matters. He sits on the Los Angeles City Council's Budget and Finance Committee and prior to his election to the Council, Blumenfield served as Chairman of the California State Assembly's Budget Committee where he was able to overcome multi-billion dollar deficits to pass on-time, balanced budgets.

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