| County Budget Update |
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved the County's preliminary operating budget for the 2008-09 fiscal year on June 18, 2008. The proposed budget contained $67.9 million in reductions, of which $58.3 million was targeted to the Countywide Services Agency. Although the County was able to restore approximately $3 million of the proposed reductions, the impacts remain significant. Reductions will take place in many areas, including child welfare early intervention services; the mental health treatment center; children's mental health services; reduced hours at three of the County's health clinics; public health nurses for perinatal and child health; and reductions in self-sufficiency related services for CalWORKS clients. The proposed budget, ancillary materials, and summary of actions taken throught the proposed budget hearings are currently available on the Sacramento County Office of Budget and Debt Management website.
There is no indication that the 2009-10 fiscal year will be improved. With additional reductions expected next year, it is imperative for diverse interests to come together now to begin discussing how a complete, coordinated system of care and support can be maintained in the years to come. The Human Services Coordinating Council's Budget Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, July 1 to begin outlining an action plan. Individuals interested in participating should contact hscc@communitycouncil.org.
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| Member Advisory Board Updates |
The Disability Advisory Committee has been in touch with Joan Burke, Director of Advocacy at Loaves and Fishes. Currently, Joan does not foresee any planned cuts in the county budget for the overflow shelter at Cal Expo. However, the shelter's lease expires in a year or two and the Housing Alliance is monitoring any sale information that relates to Cal Expo property.
The Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board has conducted three meetings
exclusively relating to the Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act (NORA) which would replace the current Proposition 36 (Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act). NORA recently qualified for the November ballot, and our Board will advise the County Board of Supervisors on this lengthy and complex proposal.
The Children's Coalition created a packet of reports based on pre-release data from the upcoming 2008 Sacramento County Children's Report Card. These packets, along with a letter of intent from the Chair, were sent to each Supervisor prior to the County Budget Hearings. The reports summarize shifting county trends in four areas of particular concern to the Coalition: financial self-sufficiency of families, child abuse and neglect, youth substance abuse, and public mental health services.
Recently, the Adult and Aging Commission co-sponsored the CarFit event in Galt with the Area Four Agency on Aging. Regional Transit gave a presentation at the May meeting regarding their Transportation Master Plan Workshops, which are currently being held throughout the region. The meetings will offer Regional Transit decision makers a chance to hear community feedback in the development of a " People's Plan." Joe Montoya has been elected to serve as the liaison to Regional Transit's Mobility Advisory Council. Joe will be representing the elderly and disabled. The Commission received reports in May on the Elder Death Review Team, and Hart Senior Center. The Commission again has many volunteers participating at the Centenarian Banquet June 21 at McClellan Park. This event celebrates local businesses and individuals who are 100 years and older. It serves as a fund raiser for Take A Stand Against Elder Abuse.
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Human Services
