Calif. Counties Wrestle With Budget Reductions, Health Program Cuts
California cities and counties are feeling the impact of recent budget cuts to local governments and health programs, PBS' "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer" reports.
In the budget revision package passed last month, legislators eliminated more than $4 billion in funding for cities and counties. Lawmakers also imposed deep cuts for many state services, including health programs administered by local governments.
As a result of the spending reductions, about 500,000 children statewide are expected to lose health insurance coverage under Healthy Families, the state's Children's Health Insurance Program. The cuts also will affect:
- HIV/AIDS programs;
- Immunization initiatives;
- Medicaid spending; and
- Mental health services.
The segment includes comments from:
- John Gioia, Contra Costa County supervisor;
- Wendy Therrian, Contra Costa County welfare supervisor;
- Assembly member Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch); and
- William Walker, a physician and director of Contra Costa County Health Services (Michels, "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer," PBS, 8/17).