Vol. 75/No. 7      February 21, 2011

Citing a $25.4 billion budget deficit, Brown warned that measures would be “painful” and would require sacrifices “from every sector of the state.” But the brunt of the cuts will be felt most by working people. The proposed budget includes:

Cutting $1.7 billion from Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program, including limiting the number of prescriptions and doctor visits;

Cutting $1.5 billion from CalWorks, which provides some modicum of food, shelter, child care, and job training to families in need;

Cutting $750 million from the Department of Developmental Services, which assists those with disabilities, including the mentally retarded and autistic; and

Cutting $1 billion from California universities and $400 million from community colleges.

Governor Brown’s proposals extend the massive cuts made to state programs under former Republican governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Continuing to scapegoat public workers and their unions for the crisis, Brown is also cutting up to 10 percent in take-home pay for some state employees.

These assaults come at a time when state unemployment is at 12.5 percent, with well over 2 million unemployed.

At the same time, California State officials are reassuring the billionaire bondholders that they will be paid in full and on time, no matter what misery workers have to suffer.

“Under the California Constitution, making sure bond investors get their money is a higher priority than providing healthcare to kids, protecting the environment,” California treasurer William Lockyer wrote in the Los Angeles Times.

Because Brown is a Democrat, whose run for governor was widely supported by the union officialdom, there have only been scattered protests so far.

“My tuition and fees have increased almost $200,” said Bryce Riegel, a San Francisco State University student who recently transferred from Fullerton Community College. “I protested last year against the cuts and the furloughs,” adding he would join protests again.

Prisoners near San Luis Obispo went on a 72-hour hunger strike January 24. They were protesting rolling lockdowns every other day for eight hours because of cutbacks. During these times prisoners cannot leave their cells and are denied family visits.
 
 
Related articles:
U.S. gov’t abets states in cutting health care
Economic recovery is little help for workers  
 
 
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