The California Legislature returns from its summer recess tomorrow and California’s counties are preparing for an onslaught of activity. Technically, the Legislature is supposed to adjourn August 30. With no budget resolution in sight, and a number of bills still active, it will be a very busy month.
CSAC, along with a broad coalition of associations and child welfare groups, is working to bring Child Welfare and Foster Care Services back from the brink after the Governor vetoed $80 million in CWS funding last fall. Counties can help by participating in a quick and easy electronic postcard campaign.
Given the magnitude of the state’s persistent budget deficit, is it time to think about potential opportunities for restructuring the county-state relationship? At least one of the legislative leaders thinks so, and CSAC leadership has directed staff to begin conversations about a realignment/restructuring of programs and services from a county perspective.
Unconscionable cuts that harm abused and neglected children have increased their risks, thanks to the governor’s veto of $80 million for child welfare services. The veto cost the state another $53 million in federal funding to protect children. That’s a $133 million blow to children who already deal with loss on so many levels.
The Senate heard the Governor’s ill-conceived trigger cut proposals today in Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3. After extensive public testimony, the Subcommittee voted to reject the Governor’s proposals to completely eliminate In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), CalWORKs, and Transitional Housing Program Plus (THP+) for former foster youth. Read about CSAC’s testimony.