Rep. Loretta Sanchez asks Governor Brown to spare most vulnerable from budget cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today led a letter to California Governor Jerry Brown urging him to consider a balanced approach to California’s state budget crisis – one that cuts costs but does not make the most vulnerable communities in California bear the majority of the burden of budget reductions.  The letter has been cosigned by ten members of the California delegation.

“As the state of California continues to confront difficult budget cuts, I urge Governor Brown to spare our most vulnerable communities from further reductions to vital social services,” said Sanchez.  “While tough fiscal decisions are necessary, we cannot balance our state’s budget on the backs of seniors and families.  The proposed 20% cut in funding for home caretakers will force many disabled Californians to be placed under the care of the state, shifting costs to another vastly underfunded California state program.  And a proposed cut to funding for public schools is particularly unwise—we only sell short our own future with that reduction. 

“There are many reasonable budgetary proposals that would not harm our most susceptible communities.  I ask the Governor to consider these before significantly cutting education and social services and forcing established community service organizations to close their doors.”