DISABILITY
RIGHTS NEWS REPORT
California
Disability Community Action Network
Advocacy Without Borders: One
Community
REPORT #120-2008 -
MAY 29, 2008 - THURSDAY EVENING
REPLY
TO: MARTY OMOTO
martyomoto@rcip.com
website: www.cdcan.us
VOTE JUNE 3RD STATE
PRIMARY ELECTION! SEE BELOW!
California Budget Crisis:
SENATE AND ASSEMBLY BUDGET
PANELS REJECT GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED MAJOR CUTS TO IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE
SERVICES AS LARGE CROWDS PACK BOTH HEARING ROOMS
Approves 1 Year Suspension
of State COLA for SSP & CalWORKS, Reject Cut To Eliminate CAPI,
Rejects Cut to Adult Protective Service, CalWORKS Grants and
Other Major Cuts - Major Showdown Coming With No Solution On
Bridging a Growing Budget Shortfall
SACRAMENTO (CDCAN) - The full Senate Budget
and Fiscal Review Committee chaired by Sen. Denise Ducheny (Democrat
- San Diego, 40th District) and the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1
on Health and Human Services, chaired by Assemblymember Patty Berg
(Democrat -Eureka, 1st District), held separate hearings late
afternoon on Thursday (May 29th) and rejected the Governor's
proposed major cuts to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and many
other human service programs, under the enormous shadow of a growing
budget shortfall.
Despite the long delays in the start of both
hearings due to long Assembly and Senate floor sessions, both
hearing rooms and galleries were packed with standing room only,
with people with disabilities, seniors, mental health needs, IHSS
and other direct care workers, advocates, organizations and others.
The actions on IHSS, SSI/SSP and other
budget proposals by the Governor calling for major spending
reductions that the two budget panels rejected means that a
major showdown and long stalemate among Democrats and Republicans in
the Legislature and the Governor is fast approaching.
Important Budget Hearings Friday 10 AM on
Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, CalWORKS
Both the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
Committee and the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and
Human Services have scheduled important hearings Friday morning (May
30) at 10:00.
The Senate hearing will convene at the State
Capitol in Room 4203 and should start on time, focusing on the
Governor's proposed cuts to Medi-Cal and Healthy Families among
other health related budget issues.
The Assembly hearing will meet at the State
Capitol in Room 4202 and also should begin on time, and will likely
focus on CalWORKS, possibly SSI/SSP and other remaining human
service issues that the subcommittee intends to act on.
Budget Panels Reject Major IHSS Cuts
Proposed by Governor
The two budget panels on Thursday voted to reject
the Governor's proposals that would have lowered the State's
contribution to IHSS worker wages to the State minimum wage,
eliminated non-medical domestic and related services for IHSS
recipients with a functional index score of 1, 2 or 3, and
eliminated funding the difference of the Medi-Cal and IHSS share of
costs for persons with a function index score of 1, 2 or 3.
The two budget panels however took different
actions on the Governor's proposal for a 10% reduction to the
counties for the administration of the In-Home Supportive Services
program, with the Senate rejecting it completely, and the Assembly
subcommittee approving the reduction, with different budget related
language.
Sen. Steinberg Says IHSS Cuts "Not
Something California Should Be Doing"
In making the motion to reject the Governor's
proposal to reduce the State's funding for IHSS worker wages and
benefits back to the State minimum wage, Sen. Darrell Steinberg
(Democrat - Sacramento, 9th District) and the new incoming Senate
President Pro Tem, said "You know, let's just say what this is.
I mean, there is no programmatic reform [being] putting
forward. I've heard people use words of fraud and abuse - I haven't
heard any specific around that. These people [IHSS workers] do God's
work here - taking care of people who are shut in, disabled and
elderly. To take them down to minimum wage, I just think, this is
something that California should not be doing."
CalWORKS Grant Reduction Rejected - Cost
of Living Increase Suspension Okayed By Senate
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee
rejected the Governor's May 14th proposal for a 5% permanent
reduction to the grants that persons on CalWORKS receive, but did
approve to suspend for the rest of the State budget year (from
October 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009) the cost of living increase due to
CalWORKs recipients.
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and
Human Services will take up the CalWORKs budget issues on Friday,
May 30th.
Thousands of children and parents on the CalWORKS
program - California's "welfare to work" program, have
disabilities or other special needs.
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants
Cut Rejected
Both budget panels rejected, by not hearing or
taking any action on the Governor's proposal from May 14th, that
called for the permanent elimination, effective August 1, 2008 of
the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) that provides
small grants to over 10,000 legal immigrants who have disabilities,
who are blind or elderly and do not qualify for SSI/SSP.
Withholding of Federal Cost of Living for
SSI Proposal Rejected
Both panels rejected, also by not hearing or taking any action on the Governor's proposal from May 14th that would have eliminated the federal cost of living money owed for the federal (Supplemental Security Income) portion of the SSI/SSP grant due January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.
Both panels rejected, also by not hearing or taking any action on the Governor's proposal from May 14th that would have eliminated the federal cost of living money owed for the federal (Supplemental Security Income) portion of the SSI/SSP grant due January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.
But the Senate Budget Committee did approve to
suspend for the rest of the State budget year, the cost of living
money owed for the state funded (SSP) portion of the SSI/SSP, from
October 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009. The Governor originally
proposed in January to suspend the cost of living money owed for the
state funded portion of the SSI/SSP grant (SSP), for the entire year
beginning June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009, and June 1, 2009
through May 31, 2010.
The Legislature in February, as part of their
special session on the budget, approved a four month suspension of
the cost of living, from June 1, 2008 through October 1, 2008.
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and
Human Services did not take up the SSI/SSP budget issue - though may
do so on Friday (May 30th).
WHAT THE BUDGET ACTIONS MEAN
* No action taken at this or any stage of the
budget process is final - until a budget is passed by the
Legislature and signed by the Governor. Even then, the
Governor can - except where a change in state law is required - line
item veto budget items.
* When both houses take identical action - either
to approve a proposal, or to reject a proposal, that means that it is
a significant action at this stage of the budget process, and
means that the issue will not go to the budget conference committee
for further action.
* However, NO action in the budget process is
final until a budget is approved and signed by the Governor -
especially with a budget shortfall at over $17 billion and growing
each time a cut is not approved.
* A previously rejected cut or an entirely new
proposal calling for spending reductions or other changes could come
up in the coming weeks - especially when budget
negotiations occur with the Governor and legislative leaders.
BUDGET HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY MAY
30TH
Note: unlike Wednesday and Thursday, when
scheduled budget hearings were delayed by several hours, the
budget hearings scheduled for May 30th (Friday) should begin
pretty much on schedule because neither the full Assembly or
Senate is in session.
No further hearings of the Senate Budget
Subcommittee #3 on Health, Human Services, Labor and Veteran
Affairs are scheduled, though on Senate Budget Subcommittee #2 on
Education is scheduled to meet next Wednesday (June 4th), with a
final hearing of the full Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
Committee scheduled for Thursday, June 5th.
SENATE BUDGET & FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
When: May 30, 2008, Friday at 10:00 AM
Where: State Capitol - Room 4203
Budget Items To Be Heard:
* Department of Health Care Services (all Medi-Cal
remaining issues including Governor's proposed cuts to Medi-Cal
optional benefits
* Healthy Families remaining issues including
Governor's proposed cuts
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH
& HUMAN SERVICES
When: May 30, 2008, Friday at 10:00 AM
Where: State Capitol - Room 4202
Budget Items To Be Heard
Department of Social Services (Budget Item
#5180)
* CalWORKS
* Other Department of Social Services remaining
budget issues that the subcommittee plans to review
CDCAN SUMMARY OF BUDGET
ACTIONS TAKEN MAY 29TH
This is a CDCAN summary of the budget
actions impacting children and adults with disabilities, mental
health needs, seniors, organizations and workers who provide
services and supports:
SSI/SSP
SSI/SSP - COST OF LIVING FOR SSP OCTOBER 1,
2008 - MAY 31, 2009
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: UNCERTAIN -
Assembly has not acted on this issue yet
SENATE ACTION 05/29/08: Approved 10 to 0, the
Governor's proposal of May 14th, to suspend the cost of living for
the State funded portion (SSP) of the SSI/SSP grant from October 1,
2008 through May 31, 2009
Voting YES (10): Ducheny, Alquist, Kehoe,
Lowenthal, Machado, Padilla, Romero and Steinberg (all Democrats),
and Dutton and Harman (both Republicans)
Voting NO (0):
Not Voting (3): Cogdill, Margett and Wyland
(all Republicans)
CDCAN COMMENT: The Governor proposed in January,
and the Legislature partially approved in February, a suspension of
the cost of living money owed for the SSP portion of the SSI/SSP
grant, due June 1, 2008. The Legislature approved in February,
a four month suspension (June 1, 2008 through October 1, 2008, with
the cost of living increase effective after that date).
SSI/SSP - COST OF LIVING FOR SSP JUNE 1,
2009 - MAY 31, 2010
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: UNCERTAIN -
Assembly has not acted on this issue yet
SENATE ACTION 05/29.08: Rejects 8 to 2, the
Governor's proposal to suspend cost of living increase for the
state funded portion of the SSI/SSP due June 1, 2009 through May 31,
2010.
Voting YES (8): Ducheny, Alquist, Kehoe,
Lowenthal, Machado, Padilla, Romero and Steinberg (all Democrats)
Voting NO (2): Dutton and Harman (both
Republicans)
Not Voting (3): Cogdill, Margett and Wyland
(all Republicans)
SSI/SSP - COST OF LIVING: FEDERAL INCREASE
FOR SSI
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) the Governor's proposal to withhold for one year, the
cost of living from the federal government for the federally
funded portion (SSI) of the SSI/SSP grant, due January 1, 2009
through December 31, 2009.
ASSEMBLY ACTION as of 05/29/08: Will not
hear or take action on Governor's proposal
SENATE ACTION as of 05/29/08: Will not
hear or take action on Governor's proposal
CDCAN COMMENT: As of now, the federal
cost of living for the SSI part of the grant will be given as scheduled
on January 1, 2009, because both houses have refused to hear
and approve the Governor's proposal from May 14th. Unlike
the proposed budget that the Governor submits to the Legislature
every January 10th - where the Legislature must reject proposals
or else it remains in the budget, the changes and revisions the
Governor makes every May are not considered a part of the budget
UNLESS both houses actually take action to approve it.
IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
IHSS - COUNTY ADMINISTRATION
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: WILL
GO TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE (each house took
different action)
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Approved the
Governor's 10% reduction, but rejected the Governor's budget
related (trailer bill) language on the proposed extended
reassessments. Instead, approved placeholder budget related
(trailer bill) language to suspend focused eligibility reviews for
counties while the IHSS administrative cut is being implemented,
with review from the Legislature on the appropriateness of
reinstituting these reviews during the usual Budget Subcommittee
process when the administration's local assistance budget would
normally undergo examination
Voting YES (4): Berg, Beall, De La Torre
and Hernandez (all Democrats)
Voting NO (2): Emmerson and Maze (both
Republicans)
Not Voting (0): -none-
SENATE ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected 8 to 2,
Governor's proposal for 10% reduction to counties for IHSS
administration and budget related (trailer bill) language.
Voting YES (8): Ducheny, Alquist, Kehoe,
Lowenthal, Machado, Padilla, Romero and Steinberg (all Democrats)
Voting NO (2): Dutton and Harman (both
Republicans)
Not Voting (3): Cogdill, Margett and Wyland
(all Republicans)
IHSS: QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM
State Agency: Department of Social Services
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: APPROVED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29.08: Approved 6 to 0,
the Governor's May 14th (May Revision) proposal to rescind the
budget related (trailer bill) language eliminating the IHSS
Quality Assurance program; and approved the request for $1.7
million ($836,000 General Fund) and 16 positions to continue
administration of the IHSS Quality Assurance program; and approve
$439,000 ($222,000 General Fund) and five positions for
implementing the IPW.
Voting YES (6): Berg, Beall, De La
Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats) and Emmerson and Maze (both
Republicans
Voting NO (0): -none-
Not Voting (0): -none-
SENATE ACTION 05/29.08: Approved 8 to 2,
the Governor's May 14th (May Revision) proposal to rescind the
budget related (trailer bill) language eliminating the IHSS
Quality Assurance program; and approved the request for $1.7
million ($836,000 General Fund) and 16 positions to continue
administration of the IHSS Quality Assurance program; and
approve $439,000 ($222,000 General Fund) and five positions for
implementing the IPW.
Voting YES (8): Ducheny, Alquist, Kehoe, Lowenthal, Machado, Padilla, Romero and Steinberg (all Democrats)
Voting YES (8): Ducheny, Alquist, Kehoe, Lowenthal, Machado, Padilla, Romero and Steinberg (all Democrats)
Voting NO (2): Dutton and Harman (both
Republicans)
Not Voting (3): Cogdill, Margett and Wyland
(all Republicans)
IHSS: STATE PARTICIPATION IN IHSS WORKER
WAGES
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected 4 to 0,
the Governor's May 14th proposal to reduce the State's
participation in IHSS worker wages and benefits to the State
minimum wage.
Voting YES (4): Berg, Beall, De La
Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats)
Voting NO (0): -none-
Not Voting (2): Emmerson and Maze (both
Republicans)
SENATE ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected , the
Governor's May 14th proposal to reduce the State's
participation in IHSS worker wages and benefits to the State
minimum wage.
Voting YES (7): Ducheny, Alquist, Kehoe,
Lowenthal, Padilla, Romero and Steinberg (all Democrats)
Voting NO (2): Dutton and Harman (both
Republicans)
Not Voting (3): Cogdill, Margett and
Wyland (all Republicans) and Machado (Democrat)
IHSS: FUNCTIONAL INDEX AND ELIMINATION
OF IHSS HOURS
State Agency: Department of Social Services
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected 4 to
0, the Governor's May 14th proposal to eliminate for persons
with functional index scores of 1, 2 or 3, their non-medical
domestic and related IHSS hours.
Voting YES (4): Berg, Beall, De La
Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats)
Voting NO (0): -none-
Not Voting (2): Emmerson and Maze (both
Republicans)
SENATE ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected 8 to
2,.the Governor's May 14th proposal to
eliminate for persons with functional index scores of 1, 2
or 3, their non-medical domestic and related IHSS hours.
Voting YES (8): Ducheny, Alquist,
Kehoe, Lowenthal, Machado, Padilla, Romero and Steinberg
(all Democrats)
Voting NO (2): Dutton and Harman (both
Republicans)
Not Voting (3): Cogdill, Margett and
Wyland (all Republicans)
IHSS: LIMITING FUNDING OF IHSS SHARE
OF COST
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected 4 to
1, the Governor's May 14th proposal to eliminate for persons
with functional index scores of 1, 2 or 3, limit
funding to pay for difference of IHSS share of cost and Medi-Cal
share of cost.
Voting YES (4): Berg, Beall, De La
Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats)
Voting NO (1): Emmerson (Republican)
Not Voting (1): Maze (Republican)
SENATE ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected
7 to 2, the Governor's May 14th proposal to eliminate for
persons with functional index scores of 1, 2 or 3, limit
funding to pay for difference of IHSS share of cost and Medi-Cal
share of cost.
Voting YES (7): Ducheny, Alquist,
Kehoe, Lowenthal, Machado, Padilla, and Romero (all
Democrats)
Voting NO (2): Dutton and Harman (both
Republicans)
Not Voting (4): Cogdill, Margett and
Wyland (all Republicans) and Steinberg (Democrat)
CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR
IMMIGRANTS (CAPI)
CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR
IMMIGRANTS (CAPI)
State Agency: Department of Social
Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) the Governor's proposed elimination of this
program. As of now, the program will not be eliminated
because both houses have refused to hear and approve the
Governor's proposal from May 14th that called for the
permanent elimination of the Cash Assistance Program
for Immigrants effective August 1, 2008.
ASSEMBLY ACTION as of 05/29/08: Will
not hear or take action on Governor's proposal
SENATE ACTION as of 05/29/08: Will
not hear or take action on Governor's proposal.
CDCAN NOTE: Unlike the proposed budget
that the Governor submits to the Legislature every January
10th - where the Legislature must reject proposals or else
it remains in the budget, the changes and revisions the
Governor makes every May are not considered a part of the
budget UNLESS both houses actually take action to approve
it.
Over 10,000 legal immigrants with
disabilities, seniors and the blind are in this program
who do not qualify for SSI/SSP.
CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR
IMMIGRANTS (CAPI) ADVOCACY PROGRAM
State Agency: Department of Social
Services
CDCAN STATUS: APPROVED
- Both houses took identical action to extend the CAPI
Advocacy Program
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Modified
the Assembly Budget Subcommittee's previous action to make
it identical with the Senate's action.
Voting YES (4): Berg, Beall, De
La Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats)
Voting NO (2): Emmerson and Maze
(both Republicans)
Not Voting (0): -none-
SENATE ACTION 05/05/08: Approved
budget related (trailer bill) language to extend the
sunset of the CAPI advocacy
program until July 1, 2011. Adopted placeholder supplemental report language to require the Department of Social Services to report by July 1, 2010, by county, on the number of SSI applications filed by CAPI recipients through the advocacy program; the number of SSI applications approved; and the amount of the savings resulting from the program.
program until July 1, 2011. Adopted placeholder supplemental report language to require the Department of Social Services to report by July 1, 2010, by county, on the number of SSI applications filed by CAPI recipients through the advocacy program; the number of SSI applications approved; and the amount of the savings resulting from the program.
Voting YES (3): Alquist and
Padilla (both Democrats) and Wyland (Republican)
Voting NO (0): -none-
Not Voting (0): -none-
CHILDREN (INCLUDING FOSTER CARE,
ADOPTION ASSISTANCE)
The foster care and adoption
assistance programs have major impact on thousands of
children with disabilities, including children with
developmental disabilities (including those with autism
spectrum disorders) and their foster or adoptive families.
ADOPTIONS: PRIVATIZATION OF
INDEPENDENT ADOPTIONS
State Agency: Department of Social
Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Approved
the components outlined in the staff recommendations -
rejected the proposal to privatize Independent Adoptions
Program. (meant to be identical action to what
Senate did)
Voting YES (6): Berg, Beall,
De La Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats), Emmerson
and Maze (both Republicans)
Voting NO (0): -none-
Not Voting (0): -none-
SENATE ACTION 05/23/08: Rejected
the proposal to privatize the Independent Adoption
Program. As an alternative,
adopted the following:
1. Commencing October 1, 2008, increase full fees to $4,500, pre-placement fees to $1,550, and establish a minimum fee of $500.
2. The trailer bill (budget related) language in Attachment I of the agenda to implement those new fees and assist in higher fee collection rates.
3. Provide one AGPA and $100,000 to DSS dedicated to fee collection in the Independent Adoption Program.
4. Make the appropriate budget adjustments to revenues to cover three months of program costs at the current fee levels and nine months of program costs at the higher fees.
5. Adopt noncodified trailer bill (budget related) language requiring the Department of Social Services to: 1) meet with stakeholders prior to Subcommittee hearings in 2009 to determine ways that the Independent Adoptions Program process can be simplified and/or streamlined, including whether the fee amounts are appropriate and report back on those discussions with any recommendations the Department might have during the 2009 Subcommittee
hearings; and 2) report back during 2009 Subcommittee hearings on how much fee collections have improved as a result of the trailer bill changes and what impact the new fees have had on the number of independent adoptions.
adopted the following:
1. Commencing October 1, 2008, increase full fees to $4,500, pre-placement fees to $1,550, and establish a minimum fee of $500.
2. The trailer bill (budget related) language in Attachment I of the agenda to implement those new fees and assist in higher fee collection rates.
3. Provide one AGPA and $100,000 to DSS dedicated to fee collection in the Independent Adoption Program.
4. Make the appropriate budget adjustments to revenues to cover three months of program costs at the current fee levels and nine months of program costs at the higher fees.
5. Adopt noncodified trailer bill (budget related) language requiring the Department of Social Services to: 1) meet with stakeholders prior to Subcommittee hearings in 2009 to determine ways that the Independent Adoptions Program process can be simplified and/or streamlined, including whether the fee amounts are appropriate and report back on those discussions with any recommendations the Department might have during the 2009 Subcommittee
hearings; and 2) report back during 2009 Subcommittee hearings on how much fee collections have improved as a result of the trailer bill changes and what impact the new fees have had on the number of independent adoptions.
Voting YES (2): Alquist and
Padilla (both Democrats)
Voting NO (1): Dutton
(Republican)
Not Voting (0): -none-
CHILD WELFARE SERVICES
ALLOCATION
State Agency: Department of Social
Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected
4 to 0, the Governor's proposed reduction.
Voting YES (4): Berg, Beall,
De La Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats)
Voting NO (0): -none-
Not Voting (2): Emmerson and
Maze (both Republicans)
SENATE ACTION 05/23/08: Rejected
2 to 1, the Governor's proposed reduction.
Voting YES (2): Alquist and
Padilla (both Democrats)
Voting NO (1): Dutton (Republican)
Not Voting (0): -none-
FOSTER CARE, KIN-GAP &
ADOPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
State Agency: Department of Social
Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected
4 to 0, the Governor's proposed 10% reduction to the
Basic Care, Specialized Care and Clothing Allowance
rates for these programs.
Voting YES (4): Berg, Beall,
De La Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats)
Voting NO (0): -none-
Not Voting (2): Emmerson and
Maze (both Republicans)
SENATE ACTION 05/23/08: Rejected
2 to 1, the Governor's proposed 10% reduction to the
Basic Care, Specialized Care and Clothing Allowance
Rates for these programs.
Voting YES (2): Alquist
and Padilla (both Democrats)
Voting NO (1): Dutton
(Republican)
Not Voting (0): -none-
FOSTER CARE OVERPAYMENTS
State Agency: Department of Social
Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected
6 to 0, the Governor's proposed budget bill language.
Voting YES (6): Berg, Beall,
De La Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats), Emmerson
and Maze (both Republicans)
Voting NO (0): -none-
Not Voting (0): -none-
SENATE ACTION 05/23/08: Rejected
3 to 0, the Governor's proposed budget bill
language.
Voting YES (3): Alquist
and Padilla (both Democrats) and Dutton
(Republican)
Voting NO (0): -none-
Not Voting (0): -none-
FOSTER FAMILY HOME &
SMALL FAMILY HOME INSURANCE FUND
State Agency: Department of
Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: APPROVED
- both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Approved
6 to 0, the Governor's proposed reduction, taking
identical action that the Senate took.
Voting YES (6): Berg,
Beall, De La Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats),
Emmerson and Maze (both Republicans)
Voting NO (0): -none-
Not Voting (0): -none-
SENATE ACTION 05/05/08: Approved
3 to 0, a one-time reduction of $2.8 million
General Fund.
Voting YES (3): Alquist
and Padilla (both Democrats) and Wyland
(Republican)
Voting NO (0): -none-
Not Voting (0): -none-
CDCAN COMMENT: Senate
Subcommittee also took this same action on
05/23/08 by vote of 3 to 0 (Alquist, Padilla and
Dutton).
OTHER DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMS
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected 4
to 1, the Governor's proposed 10% reduction.
Voting YES (4): Berg, Beall, De La
Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats)
Voting NO (1): Maze (Republican)
Not Voting (1): Emmerson (Republican)
SENATE ACTION 05/23/08: Rejected 2 to 1,
the Governor's proposed 10% reduction.
Voting YES (2): Alquist and Padilla
(both Democrats)
Voting NO (1): Dutton (Republican)
Not Voting (0): -none-
DEAF ACCESS PROGRAM
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected 4 to
1, Governor's proposed 10% reduction.
Voting YES (4): Berg, Beall, De La Torre
and Hernandez (all Democrats)
Voting NO (1): Emmerson (Republican)
Not Voting (1): Maze (Republican)
SENATE ACTION 04/14/08: Rejected 2 to 1, the
Governor's proposed 10% reduction.
Voting YES (2): Alquist and Padilla (both
Democrats)
Voting NO (1): Wyland (Republican)
Not Voting (0): -none-
DISABILITY DETERMINATION SERVICE DIVISION
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected
by vote of 4 to 2, Governor's proposed reduction - taking identical
action by Senate.
Voting YES (4): Berg, Beall, De La
Torre and Hernandez (all Democrats)
Voting NO (2): Emmerson and Maze (both
Republicans)
Not Voting (0): -none-
SENATE ACTION 05/05/08: Rejected by vote of 2
to 1, the Governor's proposed reduction in funding and positions because
the Department of Social Services will need additional resources
again in 2009-2010 to handle a new backlog of cases. Eliminate
the 4.0 limited-term positions and $401,000 ($200,000 General Fund)
provided in 2007-08 for 2008-09 to address the backlog, since that
latest backlog has already been eliminated.
Voting YES (2): Alquist and Padilla (both
Democrats)
Voting NO (1): Wyland (Republican)
Not Voting (0): -none-
STATE HEARINGS WORKFORCE
State Agency: Department of Social Services
CDCAN STATUS: REJECTED
(for now) - both houses took identical action
ASSEMBLY ACTION 05/29/08: Rejected 4 to
2, the Governor's proposed 10% reduction.
Voting YES (4): Berg, Beall, De La Torre
and Hernandez (all Democrats)
Voting NO (2): Emmerson and Maze (both
Republicans)
Not Voting (0): -none-
SENATE ACTION 04/14/08: Rejected 2 to 1,
the Governor's proposed 10% reduction.
Voting YES (2): Alquist and Padilla
(both Democrats)
Voting NO (1): Wyland (Republican)
Not Voting (0): -none-
NEXT STEPS IN STATE BUDGET
PROCESS
LATE MAY (Week of May 19th, 26th and June
2nd)
* Budget subcommittees (and in some cases
the full budget committee) in both houses will hold their
final public hearings, and also take public testimony on NEW
proposals made by the Governor in his revised budget that he
released on May 14th. It is possible now that these
hearings could go into next week (week of June 2)
* Budget subcommittees in both houses
will also likely take final action on many of the Governor's
proposals that he made in January. Those items were
previously heard in hearings held from January through April -
and no further public testimony will be taken on those issues
(except in certain specific instances)
JUNE (Week of June 9th)
* Budget process then heads to full
budget committees, and then to both the Senate and Assembly
floors, where they will then refer the Governor's proposed
budget to what is called a budget "Conference
Committee".
* The Conference Committee is composed of
3 members from the Assembly (2 Democrats,and 1 Republican) and 3
members from the State Senate (2 Democrats and 1 Republican) who
will hold public hearings to try to come to agreement on any
budget issues where the Assembly and Senate took different (or
no) actions.
* No public testimony is taken at any of
the conference committee hearings - though the hearings are
televised and open to the public.
JUNE 15TH
* State constitutional deadline for the
Legislature to pass a budget and send it to the Governor - a
deadline that has almost never been kept.
JUNE (MID TO LATE JUNE)
* Conference Committee will likely refer
its work for final action by both the Assembly and Senate.
* Virtually no one believes that the
Legislature and Governor will be able to come to agreement on a
budget before the end of the 2007-2008 State Budget year or
anytime soon after that.
JULY 1ST
* Beginning of the 2008-2009 State Budget
year.
* Within weeks - and by August, many
community-based organizations will feel the impact if the budget
delay continues through August. For many organizations,
the State will not be able to make payments of money owed.
* Last year, with the budget stand-off
lasting through August 21, many community-based organizations
serving people with disabilities, children, seniors and others
faced imminent closure - and in some cases, were forced to shut
down.
BE
SURE TO VOTE - NEXT WEEK! IMPORTANT JUNE 3rd PRIMARY
Two Important ballot propositions are on the ballot: one impacting housing and abolishment of all rent controls in California (Proposition 98). Opponents of Proposition 98 are seeking voter approval of Proposition 99, that is also on the same ballot. The deadline to register for the June primary has passed (May 19th).
See CDCAN website for more information.
JUNE 3, 2008 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION
* Voter registration must be postmarked no later than May 19, 2008
NOVEMBER 4, 2008 GENERAL (PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION)
* Voter registration must be postmarked no later than October 20, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional assistance with voter registration, please contact your county registrar of voters or the California Secretary of State's office at the following toll-free numbers:
English: 1-800-345-VOTE
Chinese: 1-800-339-2857
Japanese: 1-800-339-2865
Korean: 1-866-575-1558
Spanish: 1-800-232-VOTA
Tagalog: 1-800-339-2957
Vietnamese: 1-800-339-8163
PROBLEMS OR BARRIERS IN VOTING?
HOTLINE ELECTION NUMBER:
* PAI’s hotline is equipped to receive voice and TDD calls.
* The toll-free number for voice calls is: 800-776-5746.
* The toll-free number for TDD calls is: 800-781-4546.
Individuals who speak languages other than English should state their language and an interpreter will be connected to the call. Callers who wish to use the California Relay Service, Speech to Speech Service or Video Relay can dial 711.
* With funding from the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA), Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (PAI) is sponsoring a toll-free hotline for voters with disabilities who have difficulty accessing polling places, casting ballots or have general questions about the voting process. This is the 4th year PAI has operated the hotline.
* The purpose of the hotline is to fix problems on Election Day that are causing persons with disabilities that causes loss of voting rights.
* Such problems and barriers include:
- limited access to registration materials
- wrong information from providers, conservators, relatives, and facility staff about the person's right to vote
- judges who take away a person's right to vote when they should not
- transportation problems getting to and from the polls
- problems about access to polls or to election ballot for people living in nursing homes and other facilities
- problems about access barriers at polling places such as very limited or no accessible parking or curb ramps; doorways and aisles that are too narrow; voting equipment placed on inaccessible tables or stages; poor disability access trainings for poll workers; and, poll sites said to be "accessible" when they are not.
Two Important ballot propositions are on the ballot: one impacting housing and abolishment of all rent controls in California (Proposition 98). Opponents of Proposition 98 are seeking voter approval of Proposition 99, that is also on the same ballot. The deadline to register for the June primary has passed (May 19th).
See CDCAN website for more information.
JUNE 3, 2008 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION
* Voter registration must be postmarked no later than May 19, 2008
NOVEMBER 4, 2008 GENERAL (PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION)
* Voter registration must be postmarked no later than October 20, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional assistance with voter registration, please contact your county registrar of voters or the California Secretary of State's office at the following toll-free numbers:
English: 1-800-345-VOTE
Chinese: 1-800-339-2857
Japanese: 1-800-339-2865
Korean: 1-866-575-1558
Spanish: 1-800-232-VOTA
Tagalog: 1-800-339-2957
Vietnamese: 1-800-339-8163
PROBLEMS OR BARRIERS IN VOTING?
HOTLINE ELECTION NUMBER:
* PAI’s hotline is equipped to receive voice and TDD calls.
* The toll-free number for voice calls is: 800-776-5746.
* The toll-free number for TDD calls is: 800-781-4546.
Individuals who speak languages other than English should state their language and an interpreter will be connected to the call. Callers who wish to use the California Relay Service, Speech to Speech Service or Video Relay can dial 711.
* With funding from the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA), Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (PAI) is sponsoring a toll-free hotline for voters with disabilities who have difficulty accessing polling places, casting ballots or have general questions about the voting process. This is the 4th year PAI has operated the hotline.
* The purpose of the hotline is to fix problems on Election Day that are causing persons with disabilities that causes loss of voting rights.
* Such problems and barriers include:
- limited access to registration materials
- wrong information from providers, conservators, relatives, and facility staff about the person's right to vote
- judges who take away a person's right to vote when they should not
- transportation problems getting to and from the polls
- problems about access to polls or to election ballot for people living in nursing homes and other facilities
- problems about access barriers at polling places such as very limited or no accessible parking or curb ramps; doorways and aisles that are too narrow; voting equipment placed on inaccessible tables or stages; poor disability access trainings for poll workers; and, poll sites said to be "accessible" when they are not.
URGENT!!!!
PLEASE HELP CDCAN CONTINUE ITS WORK!!!
Townhall Telemeetings, reports and alerts and other activities cannot continue without your help!
CDCAN Disability Rights News Reports, Telemeetings & other Events
Advocacy Without Borders - ONE Community:
Townhall Telemeetings, reports and alerts and other activities cannot continue without your help!
CDCAN Disability Rights News Reports, Telemeetings & other Events
Advocacy Without Borders - ONE Community:
News Impacting People
With Disabilities, Mental Health Needs, Seniors & others, including
Asian Pacific Islanders, Latinos, African Americans communities across
California and beyond - Reports go out to over 45,000 people with
disabilities, seniors, mental health needs & others,
organizations, policy makers across California
This report - and the CDCAN townhall telemeetings, and other events and
projects are for all of them and for promoting advocacy without borders
toward unified action. We are one community.
To respond to this report reply to: Marty Omoto at martyomoto@rcip.com
CDCAN website: www.cdcan.us
To continue the CDCAN website, the CDCAN News Reports. sent out
and read by over 45,000 people and organizations, policy makers and
media across California and to continue the CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings
which since December 2003 have connected thousands of people with
disabilities, seniors, mental health needs, people with MS and other
disorders, people with traumatic brain and other injuries to public
policy makers, legislators, and issues. Please send your
contribution/donation (make payable to "CDCAN" or
"California Disability Community Action Network):
CDCAN
1225 8th Street Suite 480
Sacramento, CA 95814
Note: the paypal option on the CDCAN website is temporarily not
working and will be fixed soon.
The CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings are partially funded by a small
grant from the USC UCEDD, Grant #90DD0540 from the Administration on
Developmental Disabilities. (note: the opinions expressed or content in
these reports do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the
USC UCEDD.
MANY MANY THANKS to Alta California Regional Center, FEAT (Families for
Early Autism Treatment), Friends of Children with Special Needs, Life
Steps, Easter Seals California, Parents Helping Parents, UCP of Los
Angeles and Ventura Counties, Work Training, Foothill Autism Alliance,
Arc Contra Costa, Pause4Kids, Manteca CAPS, Training Toward Self
Reliance, UCP, California NAELA, Californians for Disability Rights, Inc
(CDR) including CDR chapters, CHANCE Inc, , Strategies To Empower People
(STEP), Harbor Regional Center, Tri-Counties Regional Center, Asian
American parents groups, Resources for Independent Living and many other
Independent Living Centers, several regional centers, People First
chapters, IHSS workers, other self advocacy and family support groups,
developmental center families, adoption assistance program families and
children, and others across California