CDCAN DISABILITY RIGHTS NEWS REPORT
California Disability Community Action Network
Advocacy Without Borders: We Are One Community
News Impacting People With Disabilities, Mental Health Needs, Seniors & Others Goes out to over 45,000 people, organizations, policy makers across California Marty Omoto -  martyomoto@rcip.com   website:   www.cdcan.us 

Report #050-2008  -  March 26, 2008 - Wednesday

California State Budget Crisis
GOVERNOR SAYS IT WOULD BE "BIG MISTAKE" TO BLAME BUDGET DEFICIT ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
* New Poll Shows More Californians Favor Tax Increases
* 56% of Californians "Very Concerned" About Spending Cuts
* Major Budget Subcommittee Hearings In April
* IHSS, SSI/SSP Set for April 16th - Regional Centers 4/23
* Most Actions Will Wait Until Governor's May Budget Revisions

SACRAMENTO (CDCAN) -  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, breaking with Assembly Republicans who are pushing a package of bills dealing with costs of undocumented or illegal immigrants to the State, said Wednesday (March 26) that it would be a "big mistake" to blame that population for the State's budget crisis and the enormous budget shortfalls.  The With California still facing an enormous budget shortfall, the Governor made the remark while meeting with local elected officials and community and business leaders in San Luis Obispo to talk about his proposals for budget reform. 

During that meeting, the mother of Assemblymember Sam Blakeslee (Republican - San Luis Obispo, 33rd District), asked Schwarzenegger how California should handle the financial costs created by illegal immigrants.   

The Governor, who said he believes the federal government should enact immigration reform and stronger border security, observed that "there is, you know, always a time like this where you start pointing the finger at various different elements of what creates the budget mess, and, you know, some may point the finger at illegal immigrants. I can guarantee you, I have been now four years in office in Sacramento, I don't think that illegal immigration has created the mess that we are in."

Blaming undocumented immigrants, the Governor said "because we have a budget problem would be a big mistake. I think we have to look at ourselves in Sacramento. We in Sacramento have the responsibility to come up with a coherent budget system, and we haven't done that."

The Governor in January, proposed a budget for 2008-2009 that projected a shortfall of $14.5 billion.  The Legislative Analyst in February said that the deficit had grown to over $16 billion.  The Legislature, in response to the Governor declaring a "fiscal emergency" in January, passed spending cuts and other changes, including delaying payments and borrowing, that cut the deficit by over $7 billion - but still leaving a shortfall of about $8 to $9 billion. 

Assembly Republicans Push Package of Bills Dealing with
Undocumented Immigration Costs
The Governor's comments on the issue was significant because Assembly Republicans earlier this week pushed a package of bills that they claim would reduce costs in the State budget resulting from undocumented immigrants and border security.  The bills pushed by Assembly Republicans include proof of citizenship for state funded services and benefits, repealing current State law that allows students of undocumented immigrant parents to pay the same college tuition as other California residents. 

Assembly Republicans earlier this week claimed that  undocumented immigrants cost the California $9 billion every year, and referenced a 2004 study by the  Federation for American Immigration Reform, which estimated that the State  spends an estimated $7.7 billion alone on education for undocumented students. 

Assembly Democrats countered that the claim by Assembly Republicans and the study as untrue. T he package of bills stand little chance of passage in the Assembly controlled by the Democrats, who voiced strong opposition to the proposals. 

Over the past two weeks, the Governor has participated in meetings on his proposals for budget reform with local officials in Bakersfield (Kern County), Orange County, the East Bay, the Inland Empire, and Fresno County. The Governor introduced some of his budget reform proposals during his State of the State address in January, including a proposed constitutional amendment called the "Budget Stabilization Act.

New Statewide Poll Shows Californians Have "Positive" View
Toward Immigration Issue
By coincidence, a new Public Policy Institute of California poll released Wednesday (March 26) that shows Californians cite immigration (11%) as the third biggest issue facing the State, behind the economy  (35%) and education (13%) - but show a positive view on both legal and illegal or undocumented immigration issues.  Mention of the economy, according to the poll, has nearly doubled since December (from 18% to 35%). The poll found that a majority of California residents (59%) believe immigrants are a benefit to California because of their hard work and job skills, compared to 34% who say they are a burden because they use public services.   In 1998, only 46% of Californians held this view.
The poll also showed that Californians tended to have a positive view toward undocumented or illegal immigrants. 
* 66% of California residents think undocumented or illegal immigrants should be allowed to apply for work permits that would let them stay and work in the United States, about the same percentage as one year ago (64%).
* Strong majorities of Democrats (73%), independents (62%), and likely voters (60%) believe that undocumented or illegal immigrants should be allowed to apply for work permits, while California Republicans are divided (48% should be allowed, 50% should not).
* Seven in 10 Californians (72%) think most illegal immigrants who have lived and worked in the United States for at least two years should be given a chance to keep their jobs and apply for legal status; only one-quarter or 25% believe these immigrants should be deported.
* This view, by Californian residents,  is shared by majorities across all political parties (Democrats 80%, independents 72%, Republicans 52%) and among likely voters (65%) and is unchanged since December (72%).

Poll Shows Larger Number of Californians Willing to
Consider Mix of Tax Increases & Cuts
The same poll released Wednesday (March 26) showed that nearly all Californians (94%) see the state budget situation as somewhat of a problem today. With the reality of state spending cuts hitting home, concern about the impact of those spending cuts has grown dramatically, with 56% of Californians say they are "very concerned" about the impact of the Governor's proposed spending reductions in the, up 20% since January when only 36% felt that way.
The poll results now show that Californians are now more willing to consider tax increases as part of a solution to the State budget crisis.
When asked how they would most prefer to deal with the state's budget enormous budget shortfall:
* 42% of Californians choose a mix of spending cuts and tax increases, up from 36% in December.
* 30% of Californians, according to the poll, view spending cuts alone as an option (down from 42% in December).
* Democrats and Republicans remain far apart on budget solution, but the new poll showed the two sides moving closer on the issue that the budget shortfall can't be solved only by spending cuts.
* Most significantly according to the poll, California Republicans today are less likely than in December to support solving the budget deficit mostly through spending cuts (down from 61% in December to 50% today) and are more likely to support a mix of spending cuts and tax increases (up from 25% to 35%).
* Large majorities of Democrats (66%), independents (67%), and Republicans (69%) believe major changes are needed in California's budget process.
The new poll results is bound to boost the push by State Senate and Assembly Democrats who vowed in February that no budget deal would be possible without a mixture of spending cuts and new revenues, including tax increases. 

Budget Subcommittee Hearings Schedule Updated - Major Hearings In April
Meanwhile Budget subcommittees in both houses which have began hearings last week on the 2008-2000 State Budget proposed by the Governor, have laid out a schedule of hearings in April that will cover a wide range of critical issues and programs impacting hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors and low income families, community organizations and workers that provide services and supports.

While the schedule is not yet complete, several hearing dates - some previously announced - have been set for programs that are threatened with significant spending reductions proposed by the Governor that the Legislature has not yet taken action on, including In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), adoption assistance and foster care programs, adult protective services, supported employment program, and cost of living increase scheduled for June 1, 2009 for the state portion of the SSI/SSP grants to the lowest income persons with disabilities, the blind, and seniors. 

Governor Declared "Fiscal Emergency" on January 10th
The Governor on January 10th, declared a "fiscal (budget) emergency" that required the Legislature to meet in special session and return back to the Governor legislation that addressed the budget crisis. 

The Governor proposed major across the board spending cuts of 10% or more for most of the state agency and department budgets. He also proposed major cuts to several programs, including Medi-Cal, that would have taken effect June 1, 2008. 

The Legislature held off on most of the Governor's budget cutting proposals - but did approve several spending reductions, including a 10% rate reduction to most Medi-Cal providers, including Adult Day Health program providers, durable Medi-Cal equipment providers, to take effect on July 1, 2008 (instead of June 1, 2008 as the Governor proposed). 

The Legislature also approved making permanent what was originally passed as temporary spending reductions to the regional center budget that provides services and supports to over 230,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities, including persons with autism.  Those reductions - referred to as "cost containment measures" amount to over $329 million in reductions (or savings to the State general fund) including federal dollars lost, for the 2008-2009 State Budget year that begins July 1. 

Legislature Will Likely Delay Action on Most Proposals Until Mid-May
Action on most of the major spending cuts proposed by the Governor will likely wait until the Governor releases his revisions to his proposed budget, in mid-May (May 14 or 15) referred to as the "May Revise" or the "May Revision".

That revision could contain more proposals to cut spending, and other proposed changes, and will also contain the latest economic figures, including if the budget shortfall has grown. 

The State's revenue picture is getting some good news however, with gas tax revenues showing a dramatic increase due to the increase in gas prices. It is not certain yet if that bump in revenues will be off set by what some economic analysts say will be a likely drop in sales tax revenues due to Californians not spending as much money due to rising costs for housing, gasoline, food and other areas. 

NEXT STEPS
In looking at next steps, it is important to not only review the steps related to the State budget process, but also the next steps concerning regular session bills that are moving and having hearings at the same time.  Also at the same time could be hearings or comments on proposed new regulations.

MARCH to EARLY MAY
* March through early May: Assembly and Senate budget subcommittee hearings - no final actions likely
* March through April 18th: Assembly and Senate policy committees meet on bills - deadline for those bills that need to go to Appropriations Committee is April 18th (for bills not considered "fiscal" or referred to Appropriations, the deadline to pass out of policy committee is May 2nd).
* March 31st: Cesar Chavez Day observed

MAY
* May 14 or 15th: Governor's May Revision of his proposed budget
* May 23rd: Last day for Assembly and Senate Appropriations Committee to report out bills introduced in their houses to their floors. 
* Late May: Assembly and Senate budget subcommittee hearings on new proposals in May revision and also final actions on other issues proposed by the Governor in January
* May 30th - Last day for Assembly to pass out Assembly bills to the Senate, and Senate to pass out Senate bills to the Assembly
* May 31 - Memorial Day observed

JUNE
* Early June - budget conference committee (joint committee composed of members of both houses) meet to resolve differences that the Senate and Assembly took on various budget issues
* June 3rd: State primary election (all Assembly seats, and some of the State Senate seats)
* June 15th: State constitutional deadline for Legislature to pass a budget - a deadline that has almost never been met in the last 25 years
* June 27th: Last day for Assembly or Senate policy committees to meet and report out bills
* June 30th: end of the 2007-2008 State budget year

JULY
* July 1st:  start of the 2008-2009 State Budget year
* July 3rd: Summer recess of the Legislature begins on this date if a budget is passed. (not likely)

SUMMARY OF BUDGET HEARINGS BY MAJOR SUBJECT AREA
See details in previous or upcoming CDCAN Reports.

Adult Protective Services (APS)
04/16/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services

CalWORKS (welfare to work program)
04/09/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services (also State Hearings issue) 04/14/08 - Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Subcommittee #3 on Health & Human Services (State hearings) Note: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services held hearing on CalWORKS on January 24th and the Senate on January 30th.  The hearing on 4/9 includes budget issues impacting CalWORKS and also State Hearings under the Department of Social Services.

Cash Flow Crisis
Note: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee held a hearing on January 22 on this issue, while the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services is bringing up this issue during each hearing impacting the specific program (and department) budgets.

Community Care Licensing
04/09/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services Note: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services held hearing on this issue on January 28th

Deaf Access
04/09/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services 04/14/08 - Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Subcommittee #3 on Health & Human Services

Education (should cover special education)
04/29/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #2 on Education Finance (special ed, state special schools, adult ed) Note: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #2 on Education Finance held hearing on January 22 covering Proposition 98 and impact on K-14 & community colleges) and second hearing on January 23rd covering community colleges and January 30th that included covering reader services for blind and adult education. The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee held hearing on K-14 education, Proposition 98 and higher education on January 24 and also on January 29th that covered special education and other issues. 

Foster Care - Adoption Assistance (Child Welfare)
04/09/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services Note: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services held hearing on these two issues on January 28th and the Senate held hearing on same issues on January 30th.  No action was taken. 

Healthy Families
04/14/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services (not certain what specific issues) 04/28/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services (not certain what specific issues)

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
04/09/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services (State Hearings budget issue)
04/14/08 - Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Subcommittee #3 on Health & Human Services (State hearings)
04/16/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services
Note: Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services held hearing on IHSS on January 24th and the Senate on January 30th.  Neither house has yet taken action on the Governor's proposals concerning IHSS. The hearing on April 9th deals with proposed cuts impacting state hearings - which impacts fair hearings under IHSS and other programs under the Department of Social Services.

Medi-Cal
04/07/08 - Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Committee ("selected" Medi-Cal issues) 04/14/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services (not certain what Medi-Cal issues) 04/28/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services (not certain what specific issues) Note: Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services held two hearings on the issue of Medi-Cal, the first one held on January 23rd  and the second on January 31. The Senate held a nearly 7-1/2 hour long hearing on February 4th on Medi-Cal. 

Mental Health
04/30/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services Note: Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health & Human Services held hearing on selected mental health issues on March 24th.

Regional Centers - Developmental Centers
04/23/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services (includes supported employment) Note:  Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services held a hearing covering regional center and developmental center issues on January 22 that covered Governor's proposals for the current budget year and for the 2008-2009 State Budget year.  The Senate held a hearing on February 4th only on the Governor's proposals that impacted the current budget year - or that needed approval prior to July 1.  The Senate has not yet announced a hearing date for developmental services issues.

Rehabilitation - Vocational Programs
04/02/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services 04/14/08 - Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Subcommittee #3 on Health & Human Services Note: Supported employment program budget issue will be heard on April 23rd under the Department of Developmental Services budget issues.

SSI/SSP
04/16/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services Note: Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services held a hearing on SSI/SSP on January 24 and the Senate on January 30th .

Transportation
04/02/08 - Assembly Budget Subcommittee #5 on Transportation

BUDGET HEARINGS BY DATE ORDER
Hearing dates, like the weather forecast and the latest sightings of Paris Hilton, are always subject to changes. 

This update lists the latest hearing dates and agenda items currently available.  As changes occur, CDCAN will report them as quickly as possible.

MARCH 27, 2008 (THURSDAY)
SENATE BUDGET AND FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
09:30 AM (or upon adjournment of Senate Floor session)
State Capitol - Room 4203
Presentation only by Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) on State and Local Fiscal (Budget) Relationships and miscellaneous issues.  CDCAN PRIORITY/IMPACT: Important
CDCAN COMMENT: The issue of the relationships on budget issues between the State and counties does impact programs critical to people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors, low income families and programs such as Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services, foster care and adoption assistance. 

APRIL 1, 2008 (TUESDAY)
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #2 ON EDUCATION FINANCE
09:00 AM -  State Capitol - Room 444
Budget Issues To Be Heard:
* California Department of Education (Budget Item 6110)
- Legislative Analyst Office Proposed Targeted Reductions to Categorical Programs and QEIA Proposal - Cost of Living Adjustments
* Budget Flexibility Proposals
* Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team (FCMAT)
* Annual Presentation on District Financial Health CDCAN PRIORITY & IMPACT: Important CDCAN COMMENT: No hearing of actual budget items, though the categorical program funding reform proposal and the other proposals could have impact on programs and services for students with special needs, including those in special education.

SENATE BUDGET AND FISCAL REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE #1 EDUCATION
1:30 PM - State Capitol - Room 113
Budget issues to be heard:
* California Department of Education (Budget Item 6110)
– Legislative Analyst Office Categorical Program Funding Reform
– Local Funding Flexibility Options
– Report on School District Fiscal Status
CDCAN PRIORITY & IMPACT: Important CDCAN COMMENT: Like the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #2 hearing scheduled earlier on this same day, no hearing of actual budget items, though the categorical program funding reform proposal and the other proposals could have impact on programs and services for students with special needs, including those in special education.

APRIL 2, 2008 (WEDNESDAY)
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
1:30 PM - State Capitol - Room 444
Budget Items to be heard:
* Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (Budget Item 4200)
* Department of Community Services and Development (Budget Item 4700)
* Department of Rehabilitation (Budget Item 5160)
* Department of Child Support Services (Budget Item 5175)
CDCAN PRIORITY & IMPACT: HIGH
CDCAN COMMENT: The proposed 10% reductions in spending for the Department of Rehabilitation, which oversees many important programs for persons with disabilities, has critical potential impact to people with disabilities.  [note: the issue of the proposed 10% rate reduction to supported employment program providers will be part of the April 23rd hearing on budget issues under the Department of Developmental Services). The Community Services and Development Department is a little known agency that oversees several federally funded programs that have impact to people with disabilities, seniors and low income families, including LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), naturalization services and funding to community action agencies that support local low income programs and services.

ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #5 ON TRANSPORTATION
4:00 PM - State Capitol - Room 127
Budget Items To Be Heard:
* California Transportation Commission (Budget Item 2600)
* Department of Transportation (CalTrans)  (Budget Item 2660) CDCAN PRIORITY & IMPACT: Important CDCAN COMMENT: This hearing on the budget item for the Department of Transportation (CalTrans) could be of importance for people with disabilities, mental health needs and seniors on the issue of accessibility that CalTrans is responsible for - an issue that is the subject of lawsuits, including a pending case. While the issue of access is not part of the budget proposals likely to be heard, advocates may want to bring the issue up and ask the subcommittee for action that possibly could be included as part of budget related legislative language. 

APRIL 7, 2008 (MONDAY)
SENATE BUDGET AND FISCAL REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE #3 ON HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES, LABOR &
VETERANS AFFAIRS
10:30 AM - State Capitol - Room 4203  (Please note time change)
Budget Items To Be Heard:
* Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, including Healthy Families Program (Budget Item 4280)
* Department of Health Care Services: Medi–Cal Program – selected issues (Budget Item 4260)
* Labor and Workforce Development Agency (Budget Item 00559)
* Employment Development Department  (Budget Item 7100)
* California Workforce Investment Board  (Budget Item 7120)
* Department of Industrial Relations (Budget Item 7350)
CDCAN PRIORITY & IMPACT: HIGH
CDCAN COMMENT: Governor in January proposed major cuts to the Medi-Cal program, and proposed cuts to Healthy Families.  It is not certain yet what specific budget items will be heard (which is why priority and impact is rated "HIGH" instead of "VERY HIGH" at this point), but neither house has yet taken action on the Governor's proposals to permanently eliminate 11 Medi-Cal "optional benefits", reinstate requirement for Medi-Cal Quarterly Status Reports and reductions to the Healthy Families program. Both houses approved the Governor's proposal, in February, for a permanent 10% rate reduction for most Medi-Cal providers, with an effective date of July 1, 2008 instead of June 1, 2008.  Leaders in both houses, including some Republican members, have said they intend to find ways to possibly restore some or all of this rate reduction - though no action on that is likely until after the Governor releases his revisions to his proposed budget in mid-May. 

ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE  #1 ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
4:00 PM - State Capitol - Room 127
Budget Items To Be Heard:
* Emergency Medical Services Authority (Budget Item 4120)
* Department of Public Health (Budget Item 4265) CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: Uncertain CDCAN COMMENT: The Department of Public Health used to be part of the Department Health Services before it split into two agencies last year (the other being the Department of Health Care Services which includes the Medi-Cal and other health and long term care programs).  The Department of Public Health does oversee several programs that have impact to people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors and low income families though it is not certain at this point if the budget items to be heard on this day include those programs.

APRIL 8, 2008 (TUESDAY)
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #2 ON EDUCATION FINANCE
09:00 AM - State Capitol - Room 444
Budget Items To Be Heard: Department of Education (Budget Item 6110)
* Child Care
* Preschool
* After School 
CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: Low (at this point)

APRIL 9, 2008 (WEDNESDAY)
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 1:30 PM - State Capitol - Room 444
Budget Items To Be Heard:
Department of Social Services (Budget Item 5180)
* CalWORKs
* Child Care
* Child Welfare Services
* Community Care Licensing
* Deaf Access
* State Hearings
* State Administration
CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
CDCAN COMMENT:  Thousands of children with disabilities and other special needs receive services either under CalWORKS (including thousands of parents with disabilities or mental health needs), or through the adoption assistance and foster care programs - which the Governor has proposed a 10% rate reduction.  Also facing proposed cuts include community care licensing, that has impact on health and safety related issues for a wide range of community care facilities and programs.  The 10% reduction proposed for State Hearings also could have critical impact on people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors, low income children and families that seek appeals for denial or changes in services of programs under the Department of Social Services, including In-Home Supportive Services, CalWORKS, and other programs. 

APRIL 14, 2008 (MONDAY)
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE NO. 1 ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 4:00 PM - State Capitol - Room 127 Budget Items To Be Heard:
* Department of Managed Health Care (Budget Item 2400)
* Department of Health Care Services (Budget Item 4260)
* California Medical Assistance Commission (Budget Item 4270)
* Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (Budget Item 4280)
CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: HIGH
CDCAN COMMENT: The Medi-Cal program is under the Department of Health Care Services, but it is not certain at this point which budget issues, including the Governor's proposed elimination of several Medi-Cal "optional benefits", etc will be heard at this particular hearing (which is why the priority and impact is rated "HIGH" as opposed to "VERY HIGH". The Assembly, unlike the Senate, previously heard all of the proposed cuts the Governor proposed not only for the current budget year, but proposals for the 2008-2009 State Budget year,  in a series of hearings held in late January and early February. The Department of Managed Care oversees the regulation of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and is under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. 

SENATE BUDGET AND FISCAL REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE #3 HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES, LABOR & VETERANS AFFAIRS
10:30 AM - State Capitol - Room 4203  (Please note time change)
* Health and Human Services Agency – Office of Systems Integration (Budget Item 0530)
* Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (Budget Item 4200)
* Department of Health Care Services, HIV Pilot (Budget Item 4260)
* Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS (Budget Item 4265)
* Department of Mental Health, AIDS Counseling (Budget Item 4440)
* Department of Rehabilitation (Budget Item 5160)
* Department of Social Services – Automation Issues, Food Programs, State Hearing Division, Disability Determinations, Deaf Access Program (Budget item 5175) CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
CDCAN COMMENT: The proposed cuts that impact HIV and AIDS programs are important, and of special concern are the proposed reductions by the Governor to the Department of Rehabilitation that oversees many programs that impact people with disabilities, and proposed cuts to the Department of Social Services that impact State Hearings (that impacts people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors, low income families going through the fair hearing process for programs such as In-Home Supportive Services, CalWORKs, etc).

APRIL 15, 2008 (TUESDAY)
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #2 ON EDUCATION FINANCE
09 AM - State Capitol - Room 444
Budget Items To Be Heard:
Department of Education (Budget Item 6110)
* Overall Federal Education Funding (Title I, Title II, Title III)
* Reading First
* Legislative Analyst Office Oversight Proposal
* Accountability: Program Improvement
* Testing
* Instructional Materials
* Mandates
* Department Of Finance (DOF)  Letters
Commission on Teacher Credentialing (Budget Item 6360)
CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: Uncertain

APRIL 16, 2008 (WEDNESDAY)
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
1:30 PM - State Capitol - Room 444
Budget Items To Be Heard:
Department of Social Services (Budget Item 5180)
* In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
* Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP)
* Disability Determination
* Adult Protective Services
* Food Programs
CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
CDCAN COMMENT: The Assembly heard in January and early February, all of the Governor's proposed reductions to these programs, including those proposed to take effect this year, and those for the 2008-2009 State Budget year that begins July 1.  Since then the Governor has released budget related legislative language (trailer bill language) dealing with the IHSS Quality Assurance program. The Legislature did approve partially the Governor's proposal to suspend the state portion (SSP) of the SSI/SSP cost of living increase scheduled to take effect June 1, 2008, delaying that effective date four months to October 1, 2008.  The Legislature however did not take any action on the other proposals by the Governor dealing with IHSS, including the proposal to permanent cut by 18% the hours for non-medical domestic and related services that people on IHSS receive, that the Governor wants effective July 1, 2008, and also a 10% reduction in funding to the counties for the administration of the IHSS program.  The Legislature also did not act yet on the Governor's proposal for 10% reduction in spending for Adult Protective Services, that impact people with disabilities and seniors.  Food programs, while not targeted for people with disabilities, do provide an critical need for people with disabilities, low income workers, low income families, seniors and people with mental health needs.

APRIL 21, 2008 (MONDAY)
SENATE BUDGET AND FISCAL REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE #3 HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES, LABOR & VETERANS AFFAIRS 10:30 AM - State Capitol - Room 4203 (Please note time change)
Subject to be determined - no budget items or issues scheduled yet
CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: Unknown at this time

ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
4:00 PM - State Capitol - Room 127
Budget Items To Be Heard:
* Emergency Medical Services Authority (Budget Item 4120)
* Department of Public Health (Budget Item 4265)
CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: Uncertain
CDCAN COMMENT: See Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing scheduled for April 7.

APRIL 22, 2008 (TUESDAY)
SENATE BUDGET AND FISCAL REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON EDUCATION
1:30 PM - State Capitol - Room 113
Subject to be determined - no budget items or issues scheduled yet
CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: Unknown at this time

APRIL 23, 2008 (WEDNESDAY)
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE NO. 1 ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
1:30 PM - State Capitol - Room 444
Budget Items To Be Heard:
* Department of Developmental Services (Budget Item 4300)
* Open Issues - All Departments
CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
CDCAN COMMENT: The Assembly heard all of the Governor's proposed cuts to developmental services on January 22, including those proposed for the 2008-2009 State Budget year.  The Legislature did approve making permanent the existing temporary spending reductions - referred to as "cost containment measures" of over $329 million (including loss of federal dollars) to regional centers that fund and coordinate services to over 230,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities.  The Legislature however did not take action yet on the Governor's proposal for a 10% rate reduction to supported employment programs, and that issue will be heard during this hearing, along with several other issues that the Legislature has not yet taken action on.

APRIL 28, 2008 (MONDAY)
SENATE BUDGET AND FISCAL REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE #3 HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES, LABOR & VETERANS AFFAIRS 10:30 AM - State Capitol - Room 4203 (Please note time change)
Subject to be determined - no budget items or issues scheduled yet CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: Unknown at this time

ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
4:00 PM - State Capitol - Room 127
Budget Items To Be Heard:
* Department of Managed Health Care (Budget Item 2400)
* Department of Health Care Services (Budget Item 4260)
* Medical Assistance Commission (Budget Item 4270)
* Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (Budget Item 4280)
CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: HIGH
CDCAN COMMENT: See the Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing on these issues scheduled for April 14. APRIL 29, 2008 (TUESDAY)

ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #2 ON EDUCATION FINANCE
9:00 AM - State Capitol - Room 444
Budget Items To Be Heard:
* Office of the Secretary of Education (Budget Item 0558)
* Department of Education (Budget Item 6110)
- State Operations
- Discrimination Complaints
- State Special Schools
- Special Education
- Adult Education
- April Department of Finance (DOF) Letters Amending Governor's January Proposed Budget
- Open Issues CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: VERY HIGH CDCAN COMMENT: While the exact agenda items are not yet known, the Governor's proposed cuts to education would have tremendous impact to special education.  In addition, over all cuts to education impact other programs, including potentially State Special Schools and adult education - which includes programs that serve adults with developmental and other disabilities.  SENATE BUDGET AND FISCAL REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON EDUCATION
1:30 PM - State Capitol - Room 113
Subject to be determined - no budget items or issues scheduled yet CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: Unknown at this time

APRIL 30, 2008 (WEDNESDAY)
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
1:30 PM - State Capitol - Room 444 Budget Items To Be Heard:
* Department of Mental Health (Budget Item 4440)
* Open Issues - All Departments
CDCAN IMPACT & PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
CDCAN COMMENT: While the exact agenda items are not yet known, the Governor has proposed significant cuts to mental health services - most of which the Legislature has not yet taken action on. Mental health services not only impact children and adults with mental health needs, but also thousands of children and adults who are "dually diagnosed" with mental health needs and also with physical, cognitive or other types of disabilities, including autism.

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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
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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