Representative Mike Levin, officials discuss local impacts of potential government shutdown
SOLANA BEACH (FOX5/KUSI) — With Congress set to return to Washington D.C. next week following more than a month of recess, Representative Mike Levin (CA-49) held a press conference on Tuesday to discuss the impacts of a potential government shutdown.
Joined by Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner and other officials, Levin held his event at the Solana Beach County Library. Congress has until Sept. 30 before its current funding expires, if lawmakers cannot agree on a spending package, Levin states CA-49 may lose upwards of $16.5M.
“The current funding expires on September 30th, and partisan gridlock over spending priorities threatens billions of dollars nationwide, including nearly $16.6 million for CA-49 residents if a final funding bill is not passed,” Levins office stated in a news release.
CA-49 includes parts of North County San Diego and southeast Orange County. Through The House Committee on Appropriations, representatives can help fund community projects in their districts.
Levin shared that if a spending package cannot be reached, more than a dozen local projects may have their funding jeopardized.
Some projects at stake include:
- Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project, Oceanside
- Carlsbad Village Railroad Double Track Trenching, Carlsbad
- Coast Highway Sidewalk Gap Closure, Dana Point
- Emerald Drive Complete Streets Project, Vista
- Glencreast Safe Routes to School, Solana Beach
- La Novia Avenue Bridge Replacement Project, San Juan Capistrano
- Mariposa Walkway and Coastal Rail Trail Improvement Act, San Clemente
- North Coast Highway 101 Drainage Improvements Project, Encinitas
- Pier View Bridge, Oceanside
- Positive Train Control Rail Safety Enhancement Project, Oceanside
- San Dieguito Lagoon Shoreline Protection Project, Del Mar
- Vista Permanent Navigation Center, Vista
“Federal funding assistance is critical to local jurisdictions as it frees up more local funding to accomplish other community driven priorities,” Heebner said. “It allows cities to serve their communities in ways they could otherwise not afford to do.”
If representatives do not agree on a spending package before the end of September, a government shutdown may be the result.
“A government shutdown isn’t just a Washington headline, it would mean real impacts for our communities,” Levin said. “From Solana Beach to San Juan Capistrano, projects that protect our coast, improve our transportation and help law enforcement, are at risk. Additionally, families could face skyrocketing health care premiums if tax credits aren’t extended.”
“My focus when Congress resumes session is to make sure we pass a responsible funding bill that keeps our communities’ priorities and projects on track,” Levin added.
