Increased costs have effectively cut the RAP budget by 25%. RAP has been forced to cut 20% of its staff and programs and services have suffered as officials have:
- Eliminated programs and co-sponsorships
- Reduced cleaning restrooms from 3 times to once per day
- Cut Sundays and holidays hours from all Recreation Centers
- Reduced staff and programs at all senior centers
- Curtailed many programs for disadvantaged youths, including fields trips, camping programs, and Girls at Play
- Increased fees for services and programs
- Reduced maintenance, facility repairs, and athletic field refurbishment
- Reduced staff trained to make irrigation system repairs, jeopardizing water conservation goals
These services and programs are especially critical for at-risk youths. The L.A. Police Department recognizes that RAP programs are an important crime-prevention strategy that keeps kids and youth out of trouble.
The public deserves transparency in the budget debate, beginning with reliable numbers.
- The Mayor’s proposal shows $19.7 million in “charge backs,” but RAP’s version of the budget identifies $43.7 million.
- “Charge-backs” grew from $3.1 million in 2009-‘10 to $31 million in 2010-’11 to nearly $44 million in 2011-’12.
- How did DWP calculate the $16 million “bill” it sent RAP? Many parks don’t even have water or electricity meters.
Contact Stephanie Taylor at (213) 346-3284 or staylor@greenlacoalition.org |
