SEN. PATRICIA BATES, Laguna Niguel
To set the record straight, I am not taking credit for the passage of SB 2 (2017). While I support many of SB 2’s goals, I did not support the final version, because it contained a new tax on real estate documents that affects homeowners facing foreclosure proceedings.
However, when there is state funding that is awarded to our district, my constituents should know about it. My press release made it clear that the Department of Housing and Community Development awarded funding to local governments.
The people expect their elected representatives to fight for their community’s share of tax dollars from state programs.
Not unlike a school bond, once these programs are implemented, legislators have a responsibility to ensure the funds are distributed fairly, even if they disagree with how these programs are funded.
