CSAC Statement on Governor's Special Session Budget Proposal - Nov. 6, 2008

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 6, 2008

Contact: Paul McIntosh, Executive Director, (916) 327-7500 Ext. 506

 

Counties Alarmed at Severe Cuts

Proposed for Health & Human Services

Support economic stimulus projects and balanced approach

to address revenue shortfall

 

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) has released the following statement in response to today’s release of the Governor’s special session budget proposal:

 

California counties are extremely concerned about the severe cuts to health and human services, especially at a time when demand for services has dramatically increased. In addition, county budgets are facing dire shortfalls. The proposed $950 million in cuts this year and more than $3 billion in cuts next year to programs such as Medi-Cal, CalWORKs and In-Home Supportive Services will have devastating impacts at the local level and will severely disrupt the lives of the many residents who are most dependent upon county services.

 

CSAC supports a balanced approach to addressing the state’s current year $11.2 billion revenue shortfall that does not rely on such significant cuts to services provided by counties on behalf of the state. We are encouraged the Governor recognizes the need to accelerate transportation bond funds in an effort to boost the economy. Counties have the need and capacity to put these revenues to work in our communities, and we stand ready to deliver critical transportation projects throughout the state. However, we question proposed conditions that may hinder access to funds.

 

California counties understand the tough economic times and revenue shortfall the state is facing. Counties too are facing the same situation, with significant drops in revenue from property taxes and rising caseloads at the local level. Many counties are revisiting their budgets weekly to make adjustments. Further cuts to essential services provided by counties will only exacerbate an already dire situation at the local level.

 

As stated by the Governor, the state is facing a revenue problem, not an expenditure problem. We encourage the Legislature to act quickly to address these issues and find responsible solutions to resolve this unprecedented circumstance.

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The California State Association of Counties, headquartered in Sacramento, is the voice of California’s 58 counties at the state and federal level.