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.
Since the release of the Governor’s May Revise, rumors have been flying around the Capitol about realigning services between the state and local government as a potential solution to part of the budget gap.
There is very little in the May Revise for California counties to feel good about. The May 19, 2009 Special Election continues to be funded and no further cuts in transportation or transit are proposed. After those two gems, the good news drops precipitously.
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.