Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed budget cuts have been the cause of more than a few sleepless nights this week. The rumors started swirling early last week when it became clear that once again, education and social service programs would get the axe. The only question was, how much and for how long?
Well the news was far worse than any of us imagined. Of the projected 14 billion dollar deficit, cuts from education alone would amount to roughly 4 billion with an additional 4.7 billion from health and human services funding. In nearby Santa Rosa, our muscle bound governor’s actions would mean cuts of upwards of 1.5 million dollars for this year and 7 million next year. 1.5 million dollars for this year! That means taking money from the schools that are more than halfway through their current academic year, money that has already been allocated for programs, personnel and services for our kids.
So much for the Governor’s proclaimed “Year of Education.”
Similarly, county human services will also shoulder the burden. Programs that are expected to take its share of hits include MediCal funding which pays for health, dental and mental health services for our most poor and indigent. As someone who spent over 20 years working with recipients of these bare bones services, this will be devastating to thousands and thousands of children and families. For many, these services make even the most basic of health care possible.
It’s a travesty. Every time there are cuts to be made they are made on the backs of our youth and families. What kind of a society puts such little value on the care and education of its children, the future of our nation? It’s an easy cut for our bureaucrats who I would venture to guess have never experienced the kind of hardship and limited resources that affect over 8% of the residents of Sonoma County.
But as is typical of our government, it is yet another short sighted solution to a complex and extremely serious problem. It’s hard to imagine that they are unable to understand that these proposed cuts in the area of education and healthcare will surely result in greater problems for our society down the road. Or maybe they just don’t care.
So here we go again. Buckle your seatbelts. There’s sure to be a fight or two in Sacramento but only if we make some noise. Now’s the time. Contact your local legislators and make your voice heard.
