The Assembly and Senate began their budget deliberations this
week. California Health and Human Services Secretary Diana Dooley
appeared before both committees to communicate the gravity of the
budget situation. She acknowledged the Legislature will be
considering difficult budget cuts that no one likes. Secretary
Dooley also made herself available to the Legislature as they
work on the budget.
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 convened Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday afternoons for extensive discussions about the
health and human services budget. The subcommittee, chaired by
Assembly Member Holly Mitchell, discussed child support, mental
health, alcohol and drug programs, In-Home Supportive Services,
Adult Protective Services, and Child Welfare Services. The
subcommittee discussed realignment proposals, budget cuts, and
budget change proposals. Generally, the subcomittee held most
items open – including the realignment proposals and major budget
cuts.
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 met this week
to discuss Medi-Cal, including the First 5 ballot measure,
Healthy Families Program, and CalWORKs proposals. Senator Mark
DeSaulnier is chairing the subcommittee this year. The
subcommittee held all major budget cut proposals open.
Both subcommittees will continue meeting on budget proposals,
including components of realignment, over the next two weeks.
