California Budget – Pushing Limits – May 31, 2024

It is the height of California’s annual budget wrangle, and Governor Newsom is planning severe cuts to programs we depend on. These programs include In Home Supportive Services, CalFresh, nutrition support, housing & homeless assistance, and others. It’s pretty dire.

We have until June 15, just two more weeks, to let our Sacramento representatives know how we want tax payer money spent. Scroll down for something you can do TODAY.

We bring a panel of experts from San Francisco’s HomeBridge: Erin Saberi, public policy and communications consultant, Amber Harris, senior director of talent and people, and Meaghan Shanahan, senior director of programs.  Home Bridge trains and provides care givers and attendants for elderly and disabled people throughout the bay area.

There is a crisis in attendant care in California. These folks know just how bad it is and how these budget discussions will either help  – or make it worse.

Some context: California has had a fat purse for several years but, this year, the purse is skinny with a $27.6 billion dollar shortfall.

As usual, one thing that isn’t being cut is California’s prison system. It’s being tinkered with but it’s actually getting an overall increase!

Our community is not taking these cuts lying down. Since the draft budget came out in January, lobbyists, non-profits and many disabled people have been in Sacramento to testify at hearings and hold rallies.  There’s just enough time, just enough momentum to turn the tide and save ourselves from some of the worst consequences.

One more thing:  There’s an inevitable level of competition in the budget fight. It’s tricky to lobby for any particu

lar program.  For instance, if you argue for expanding IHSS caregivers you might find yourself arguing against houses for homeless people. You argue for Developmental Disability increases and find yourself arguing against help for abused elders.

We salute two organizations who’ve made long term coalitions to take some sting out of the competition.  The California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports has over 60

organizational members and CURB, Californians United for a Responsible Budget, brings more than 80 organizations together. They help make the best of a tough situation.

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