Governor's Budget Falls Short on Addressing Hunger and Poverty
CFPA applauds increased funding for CalFresh, SSI/SSP, and safe drinking water, but looks to the Legislature to take further action.
On January 7, Governor Brown proposed spending $122.6 billion for California's 2016-2017 state budget. Despite a forecast of billions of dollars in additional revenues over the past few years, the Governor's budget proposal still does not do enough to restore years of cuts to California's safety-net programs or to reduce poverty in California. The Governor remains focused on limited spending, paying down debt, and saving for the rainy day fund.
CFPA celebrates the inclusion of several initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of Californians. At the same time, there were many missed opportunities for investments in nutrition and public benefits programs that can reduce inequities and health disparities. While the governor has prioritized the long-term fiscal stability of the State, the 2016-17 state budget must also address the fiscal instability and growing inequities faced by California's low-income families.
The budget should reflect a long-term plan to address these challenges by investing in public services and systems. We now look to the Legislature to take action on behalf of low-income Californians as several months of budget negotiations get underway.
Read CFPA's response to the Governor's Proposed 2016-17 Budget. link
Read the Governor's Proposed 2016-17 Budget.
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