Report Finds Cuts Are Taking Toll on California Counties, Social Services
State funding for Medi-Cal and other social services administered by counties is undermining the safety net, especially as a wider economic downturn increases demand for such services, according to a new report by the California Budget Project, the Oakland Tribune reports.
The report is based on a survey of 13 counties, accounting for about two-thirds of Californians. It looked at Medi-Cal, In-Home Support Services and other social services programs.
According to the Tribune, state leaders have adopted a series of "low-profile cuts by failing to cover rising operating costs since 2001," constituting a loss of more than $1 billion annually, including matching federal funds that the state forgoes.
The report states that California counties are being weakened by the cuts and are less able to meet state and federal requirements and provide preventive services and case management, while facing a range of other challenges (Richman, Oakland Tribune, 8/7).