CCC Statement on California Budget

 

 

 

There is certainly relief that Legislators and the Governor were able to finalize the state’s

budget for FY 2010‐2011. Having said that, however, the signed, sealed and delivered budget

appears to be an expedient solution, which only solves the immediate problems of averting the

issuance of IOUs, facilitating state borrowing, meeting payroll and paying the state’s vendors.

Sadly the Governor’s line‐item vetoes introduce more problems for the poor and the

vulnerable. In his zeal to create a $1.3 billion reserve, the Governor cut funding for child‐care

supporting welfare to work and reduced funding for mental health programs. The impacts of

these decisions will be felt dramatically in the lives of those who are already challenged to

survive in our severe economic times.

This year’s budget was a record 100 days late, yet, even with that extra time, long term

problems were barely addressed. Enormous challenges remain and now will become the

problem of the newly elected Administration and Legislature.

For years, California’s elected representatives have refused to address the structural deficit in

the state’s finances—papering over the shortfalls with rosy revenue projections, hoped‐for

federal assistance, and postponement of promised funds. As these decisions have been made,

those who are poor, elderly, disabled or ill regularly have their subsistence income threatened

or cut. We are a better people than this. Justice demands that we balance our budget not only

monetarily but morally.

Our state needs the participation of citizens, public leadership and prayer. Let’s address these

issues together.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ned Dolejsi, 916/313‐4000 

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