The LA City Council voted today to cease plans to lease city-owned parking garages that were estimated to generate more than $50 million and bridge this year’s budget deficit.
“What are we going to do to fill this $53 million deficit?” said LA City Councilmember Janice Hahn. “What are we going to do to not add more furlough days and layoffs to our City employees?”
City leaders including Hahn, Herb J. Wesson, Jr. and Bill Rosendahl opposed more furloughs and layoffs and urged the Council to put City workers before concrete parking garages.
“Furloughs are a disaster,” said Councilmember Rosendahl, who noted that the City is losing revenue because of furloughs.
As the Council reviews alternative solutions, LA City workers and SEIU 721 will continue to urge responsible budget decisions.