The budget deal backed by the Governor moved one step closer to reality today, as it passed through committee on its way to the floor. The package still retains most of the shocking cuts to the social safety net:
After years of fighting to save health and social services for the poor and elderly, Democrats on a key legislative committee reversed direction Thursday and voted for a budget plan that makes large cuts to California’s safety net. And, in a rare action, the vote sends the package to the full Legislature months before the constitutional deadline.
Lawmakers voted to limit welfare, cap the number of doctor visits for the poor, end the Adult Day Health Care program for the elderly and eliminate redevelopment agencies, among other reductions, to close California’s $26.6 billion deficit. (SF Chronicle)
I’ve written about that “cap the number of doctor visits for the poor” proviso. And frankly, if that somehow passes, which I’m still investigating its chances now, we need to get our heads (and our consciences) examined.
Nonetheless, at this point it is pretty hard to argue that Democrats aren’t giving something up. It’s just that they’ve given up too much already.
THANK YOU, Jerry Brown
If the Legislature will show some courage they’ll get the initiatve on the ballot without Republicans
No need for them
Just get it passed
There is NO Guarantee the voters will approve the tax extension
Compare Jerry Brown’s budget balancing with the Clown in Wisconsin
Gues who’s gonna have an orderly process ?
The proposed cuts to the health care safety net, including increased co-pays for going to the hospital, and reduction to in home care, mean people will put off getting needed care because they simply can’t pay. They’ll tough it out in pain until their condition gets worse, because they just don’t have the $100 per day hospital co-pay, but then they’ll end up in the hospital anyway but in worse shape. This is still a wealthy society by any standard, and it’s shameful people are treated this way. And even from a cold accounting perspective, it’s penny-wise and pound-foolish.