BILL NUMBER: AB 2954 VETOED DATE: 09/27/2002 SEP 27, 2002 To Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 2954 without my signature. This bill would require that any general plan land use element adopted or amended after January 1, 2004, address the distribution of childcare facilities in the land use element. I certainly recognize the importance of childcare facilities and I commend the author for his leadership on this issue. Indeed, I encourage local communities to address the distribution of childcare facilities in their general plan land use element. However, I am obligated to evaluate this bill within the overall context of its effect on the General Fund during these uncertain fiscal times. As written, AB 2954 is a reimbursable mandate. As all 535 general plans are amended over time, the co st to the state would reach $100 million at a time when the state is facing very difficult financial pressures. Sincerely, GRAY DAVIS