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The remainder of March the California Legislature will continue to hold hearings to discuss the Governor’s proposed 2018-19 state budget, along with proposals from advocacy groups like The Arc California. Many proposals could have a direct impact on people with disabilities and their families.
Similar to any other legislative bill, the budget is discussed in committee hearings and then voted on by committee members. Most, if not all, budget items, however, are not voted on until after the “May Revision”, which is the Governor’s updated budget released after the state has a more precise accounting of tax revenue collected for the previous year. The budget bill must be passed by June 15th.
Unlike years in the past, this year the state has a large surplus with billions of dollars available to improve and enhance services and programs. Major proposals that could impact the disability community include:
$1.3 Billion Increase state’s portion of SSI/SSP grant by $100 per individual
$110 Million Increase to reinstate the SSI/SSP Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA)
$100 Million Increase dedicated to recruit and retain special education teachers.
$125 Million Increase inclusive early education opportunities for kids 0-5 years.
$23 Million Decrease to mandate 14 “Holidays” to regional center clients and providers for certain services.
$25 Million Increase in emergency bridge funding for regional center providers to cover the cost of local minimum wage increases and other unfunded cost mandates.
$14 Million Increase to restore social recreation and camping as regional center funded services.
$100 Million Transfer from the closure of the developmental centers to increase supports and services in the community for regional center clients.
$3.2 Million Increase to raise eligibility age for DDS services to 22 years old.
For a complete look at the agendas for the budget committees view:
Jordan Lindsey, Executive Director, The Arc CA