2. Policy Updates
Local, State, and Federal Budget and Policy Updates
Local Budget
[From Coleman Advocates and Human Services Network (HSN)]
The lack of a transparent and democratic local budget process this year has truly been astounding; still days after the budget was released, programs continue to scramble to find out whether they have received cuts.
THE FACTS:
- The projected local deficit for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 is now over $410 million.
- The $338 million projected deficit for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 was originally $229 million. When the 6-month report came out from the Controller's office, it went up to $233 million. With the over-population of SF jails and the need to open more facilities, the number was adjusted again to $251 million. With state cuts and a revenue adjustment, the impact on SF was projected to be an additional $60 million, which would bring us to a deficit totaling $311M. On March 21, the Controller's Office released the Three-Year Budget Projection and the projected deficit then totaled $338.4 million. Finally, with the Governor's May Revised Budget released, an additional $72.5 million in cuts to San Francisco now brings our local deficit to over $410 million for FY 08-09.
- There are "cost-savings" plans in effect that are reducing the total deficit. This includes:
- $18 million midyear 'cuts' that have gone into effect. Buster's Place (24 hr homeless drop in shelter) has closed.
- Other immediate actions like eliminating 300 vacant positions are being discussed and implemented now, in this fiscal year.
- Departments have been asked for 18% in cuts since December, including an 8% salary reduction. The Department of Public Health and the Human Services Agency in particular are being forced to make choices about cuts that will lead to the closure of programs.
- Over a thousand city employee layoffs are being projected. Unions have been asked to renegotiate their contracts with the city, but so far, only the MEA (Municipal Executives' Association) has agreed to concessions in their contracts for the next 2 years.
- The proposed cost-savings plans so far do not solve the deficit.
WHERE WE'RE AT NOW:
The Board of Supervisors has begun its process of cutting and adding back funding for the final FY 2008-09 budget. As it stands, over 150 nonprofits are facing cuts that total close to $20 million—the worst health and human service cut in history. If we don't stop these cuts, dozens of programs will be gone overnight on July 1, thousands of service recipients will have no place to turn, and hundreds of our dedicated workers will lose their jobs.
This Board has always been supportive and will do everything they can to reverse as many cuts as possible. But they will not have much money to move this year, and will face political opposition over many of the cuts they need to make to save community programs.
What the Board needs from us is an unprecedented turnout at the hearings. Without a major public show of support for our services, the Board will have a difficult time allocating the funding these programs need to survive.
We need all of you—and your staff, board of directors, clients where appropriate, and your supporters -- to come to the Board this week. There are two major hearings:
HSN has prepared a document that summarizes the impacts of the proposed budget cuts.
State Policy
Current Legislation
With the legislative calendar nearing its last quarter, it is important to note some of the bills that are still alive and moving through the legislative process. Currently those bills that made it out of their house of origin are being discussed in various committees, and if by the end of August both houses approve a bill, it goes to the Governor. The Governor has three choices: sign the bill into law, allow it to become law without his or her signature, or veto it. A governor's veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both houses. Depending on the urgency some bills may take effect immediately after they are enacted into law, but most go into effect on the first day of the January of the next year.
Unsure what bills are before the legislatures? Download a list of current foster care related bills compiled by HEY.
State Budget
How would you balance the budget?
How would you balance the California state budget? The California Budget Challenge is a nonpartisan Internet tool that lets you roll up your sleeves and create your own state budget. You call the shots on how much to spend on schools, the environment, healthcare, prisons and other state programs – and how to pay for them. Should we levy a carbon tax? Restructure Prop 13? Cut income taxes? YOU DECIDE! Take the Budget Challenge Now!
Update from Children’s Advocates Roundtable
Below is some background information on the budget cuts and the project the Children's Advocates Roundtable has put together in response to these budget cuts "Our Children, Our Duty, Our Future".
Unfathomable Cuts Jeopardize Child Safety and Well-Being
- A 10% cut in County funding translates into 1,051 fewer county social workers to protect abused and neglected children.
- With proposed cuts, over 16,000 cases of neglect and abuse toward children will go unanswered and investigated.
- Proposed budget cuts in CalWORKs of more than 20% reduce vital services to the state poorest families with children.
- More than 350,000 children will lose health coverage with proposed budget cuts, forcing families to seek services in emergency rooms.
- The 10% across-the-board cuts proposed by Gov. Schwarzenegger would indeed save the state 10% -- but remove about 15% in social services.
Proposed Cuts Exacerbate Historic Underfunding
- California is spending 25% less than it did 15 years ago on welfare services.
- For the more than 78,000 children in foster care the monthly reimbursement rate for families is less than it costs to kennel a dog.
- Proposed changes in the Quarterly Status Reporting will result in 157,400 children losing Medi-Cal coverage in FY 08/09, and a cumulative total of 286,600 children will lose coverage in FY 09/10.
Cuts Thwart County and Legislative Improvement Efforts
The problem is this: if we don't pay now we'll pay much more later in everything from hospital care for under weight and premature babies to possible incarceration of youngsters who fell between the cracks because programs for vulnerable children were cut, such as CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, child care, and foster care funding.
The California legislature is reviewing the Governor's proposed cuts right now and we need your help to protect Our Children. Visit www.children-duty-future.org and click on "sample letter to legislators". The Roundtable is urging you to pass this sample letter and information on this website on to friends, families and others who will be affected by these cuts and have them send this letter to the following legislators.
California Youth Crisis Line
The California Youth Crisis Line (CYCL), which CCY has operated for over 20 years, is working its way through the legislature up to the Governor to fight the proposed 10% cut in state funding, which the Governor has proposed. The CYCL answers over 12,000 calls every year from youth and youth allies from throughout the state and maintains a database of over 5,500 programs and services statewide that they connect those callers to!
CCY is asking for letters of support to fight these budget cuts. Click here for a template letter for the Assembly and click here for a letter for the Senate. Please complete letters for both the Senate and the Assembly Budget Committees.
Please return your letters of support ASAP and CCY will do the rest (copies, distribution, etc.) to fax: (916) 440-8801 or email klewis@hrdowden.com. If you have any questions, please contact Heather Dearing at (916) 340-0505.
Federal Policy
Medicaid
Bad Medicine: The President's Medicaid Regulations Will Weaken State Economies.
Families USA has released a series of state-specific reports quantifying how changes in Medicaid regulations will affect state economies.
Federal Policy—Kinship Bills
Kinship Bills in Congress: An Update
In addition to the major Kinship Caregiver Support bills currently under consideration in Congress (S. 661 and H.R. 2188), two other significant bills have been introduced: the Invest in KIDS Act (H.R. 5466) and the Improved Adoption Incentives and Relative Guardianship Support Act (S. 3038). CWLA has the scoop.
back to top
3. Articles
Evans foster youth mental health bill passes key Senate Committee
June 15, 2008 • Press Release
A life of struggle capped with hope
June 13, 2008 • Daily Breeze
18 and on their own
Record Net • May 24, 2008
Home for emancipated foster youth built off profits of Trump University Student’s first investment property
Press Release • May 22, 2008
RELATED NEWS
Race disparity at juvenile hall prompts search for solutions
SF Examiner • May 28, 2008
De-emphasis on race in adoption is criticized
New York Times • May 27, 2008
Toughest summer job this year is finding one
New York Times • May 25, 2008
back to top
4. Reports & Useful Websites
SFUSD 5-year Strategic Plan
On May 27th the Board of Education approved the proposed 5 year Strategic Plan. This plan, which uses a balanced scorecard approach, has an equity focus with specific measurements. Details of the plan will be unveiled throughout the school year. To view the plan visit www.sfusd.edu. For info call Sandra Fewer at 239-0161, ext. 15.
The 2008 Kids Count Data Book
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 19th annual Kids Count Data Book has been released. The annual Data Book is a national and state-by-state profile of the well-being of America’s children that seeks to enrich discussions concerning ways to secure better futures for all kids. The Data Book ranks states on 10 key measures and provides data on the economic, health, education, and social conditions of America’s children and families. This year, the Kids Count Data Book essay, “A Road Map for Juvenile Justice Reform” looks at the nearly 100,000 children confined to juvenile facilities on any given night in the United States, and what can be done to reduce unnecessary and inappropriate detention and incarceration and increase opportunities for positive youth development and community safety.
The 2008 Kids Count Data Book will be available beginning June 12, 2008 at www.kidscount.org.
back to top
5. Job Opportunities
Juma Ventures:
Youth Development Coordinator
California Disproportionality Project:
Project Coordinator
Resumes and cover letters should be submitted to Cheryl Blanchette at cblanchette@casey.org.
Local Homeless Coordinating Board (Seat 2 and Seat 3):
Two vacancies – Seat 2 and Seat 3
Application due June 27, 2008
Larkin Street Youth Services
Management Team Staff
SF Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP)
ILSP Education Coordinator
back to top
6. Opportunities
Summer internship sites needed!
This summer, ILSP, Jobs For Youth, and the Mayor’s office are piloting a program for foster youth summer internships.The goal is to match teens in summer internships so they can learn about diverse industries and gain important work/career knowledge. They are looking for professionals who are willing to mentor youth a few hours a week from July 1 until August 31. The internships are paid, what is needed are placements! Each youth will be paid $10/hour to work at your site.If you are interested in hosting a current or former foster youth, contact Yuri Dew, Jobs For Youth 415-808-4313 or ydew@uwba.org
Foster a Dream Youth TECHweek (applications due July 15)
TECHweek is a unique opportunity for High School foster youth to gain familiarity of computer technology and learn cutting-edge skills. Learn Microsoft Word & Excel, search engines & Internet tools, intro to databases, intro to graphics, and digital photography. Last year’s participants had an average skill increase of 42%! These skills can help improve your grades and secure a better job. TECHweek Session: August 4th to 8th, 9am to 4pm. Availability is limited to 6 youth. Application are due by July 15th.
HIFY and SFSU Assessment
San Francisco State University (SFSU) and Health Initiatives For Youth (HIFY) are conducting a needs assessment and are looking for a few enthusiastic youth who are comfortable talking about sex and sexuality to partner with us in conducting focus groups- or be focus group participants. The purpose of conducting interviews and focus groups is to assess the barriers and supports influencing the sexual behaviors and knowledge of transitional age foster youth (ages sixteen and over) originally from San Francisco.Jahaira Fajardo at 415-430-7971 or jahairafajardo@gmail.com
MHA-SF Young Adult Advisors training participants
We are currently recruiting for potential MH-YAA training participants. Just as the focus group, we are looking for young adults who are between 16-24 years old, have been involved with the foster care system, and/or have been homeless or runaway. It would be ideal that they have leadership and advocacy experience too. Trainings will Wednesdays July 23–August 13th, 5:30–8pm. Dinner will be provided at each meeting with a gift card provided for those who complete the workshops. Please click for more information.
There is also a short application that each young adult will have to complete out and turn in. It’s a way for us to get a sense of their interest and participation in the trainings. We will contact each participant once we receive the completed applications and will provide the address for the trainings at that time. The training will be located in the Civic Center/SOMA area of San Francisco.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathleen Casela, Young Adult Advocate, Mental Health Association of San Francisco, at 415-421-2926, Ext 312.
back to top
7. Upcoming Events
Engaging Your Board in Creating Sustainable Funding
Presented by Benevon
San Francisco
Date: Wednesday, July 9th, 2008
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Raphael House
1065 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Berkeley
Date: Wednesday, July 9th, 2008
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location: YWCA Berkeley
2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
Cost: No fee to attend
To register: Go to http://sforce.benevon.com/intros/western.htm
Save the Date: Thursday June 12, 2008. Briefing on the 2008 Kids Count Essay: “A Road Map for Juvenile Justice Reform”Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Where: Cannon Caucus Room
On Thursday, June 12th at 9am in the Cannon Caucus room, the Annie E. Casey Foundation will host a briefing for congressional staff on the Casey Foundation’s 2008 essay.
This year’s essay, which will be released in conjunction with the annual Kids Count data book, is entitled “A Road Map for Juvenile Justice Reform.” The essay will focus on various aspects of America’s juvenile justice system, including recommendations for changes that could be made in the system. The briefing will provide an overview of the essay’s recommendations and will include a panel of juvenile justice experts from around the country to discuss the key issues in the field and recommendations for reform.
The briefing and essay are particularly timely as Congress is due to reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, a major vehicle for juvenile justice issues at the federal level.
More detailed information, including a list of speakers, will be circulated closer to the event. If you have any questions, please contact Ian Augarten at the Campaign for Youth Justice at iaugarten@campaign4youthjustice.org or 202-558-3580.
It's My Life Conference, October 31–November 2, 2008
"It's My Life" convenes over 700 participants—youth in foster care, alumni of care, caregivers, practitioners, and advocates --who share innovative practices designed to guide preparation for adulthood services for youth aging out of foster care. "It's My Life" takes place in Los Angeles October 31-November 2. http://www.casey.org/Resources/Projects/ItsMyLife/
 About
Honoring Emancipated Youth
About Honoring Emancipated Youth
Honoring Emancipated Youth (HEY), a community project of United Way of the Bay Area, is a San Francisco-based intermediary providing leadership to the Bay Area foster care community by convening and informing stakeholders of trends and best practices in order to raise public awareness and promote successful policies that affect emancipated foster youth. HEY is committed to the inclusion of current and former foster youth, service providers, and community members in identifying and promoting strategies and best practices that ensure there are effective systems to serve Bay Area foster care youth in achieving a successful transition to adulthood.
This newsletter is solely for informational purposes; the legislative information and articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Honoring Emancipated Youth or United Way of the Bay Area.
Sara Razavi
Executive Director, Honoring Emancipated Youth (HEY)
United Way of the Bay Area
221 Main Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 808-4435 • Fax (415) 817-4615
srazavi@uwba.org
Visit us at www.heysf.org
back to top |
|
