By
March 28, 2011

Conference of Mayors Vice President Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa led a “Rally to Protect LA’s Recovery” on March 23 in opposition to the $2 billion in budget cuts that would hit the Los Angeles region if the House FY 2011 funding bill (H.R. 1) becomes law.

Joining Villarigosa at the Edward Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles were Congresswomen Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA), Judy Chu (CA) and Karen Bass (CA); actors Tim Robbins, James Cromwell and Mimi Kennedy, and representatives from community service organizations impacted by the proposed cuts.

“H.R. 1 is not the answer. H.R. 1 decimates JOBS. H.R. 1 slashes job training programs. H.R. 1 abandons small businesses. H.R. 1 jeopardizes our security. These cuts undermine so much of the hard work we’ve put into weathering the economic storm,” the mayor told the gathered crowd.

Villaraigosa also emphasized that, “We are not just talking about dollars and cents here. We are talking about lives… We’re talking about job training for laid off workers and youth. We’re talking about financial assistance to hundreds of non-profit community service organizations. We’re talking about expediting our public transit projects. And we’re talking about our public safety and homeland security. If HR 1 is enacted, all of those things will end and that is just not right.”

“So today, we need to urge our Senators to say NO to H.R. 1… And say YES to economic recovery and YES to our communities!”