Uncategorized

(RIVERSIDE, CA) – Hundreds of Inland Empire families came together today to say “No More Cuts” that will hurt families already battered by state budget reductions to critical services. In a large rally taking place just before Republican Party Chairman Tom Del Bacarro’s planned “No Tax” tour event, the families urged Senator Bob Dutton, Assemblymember Brian Nestande and other Inland Empire legislators to join them in supporting Governor Brown’s balanced approach to closing the state budget gap, including maintaining existing revenues.

“I know how much California can achieve when our leaders Stand Up for California with a state budget that invests in all kids, particularly those with special needs,” said Natasha Gordon, mother and in-home service provider for Paul, 12, who lives with Autism. “My son Paul has come so far because of services like IHSS and Developmental Disability Services, and he’s just one of many great examples of what California can do when we decide to make our children a priority.”

At the event taking place the Thursday before Easter, a costumed bunny demonstrated that while the Easter Bunny isn’t real, California’s need to maintain existing revenues is. If revenues aren’t maintained, California faces the prospect of an all-cuts budget that will devastate local families.

“We need to maintain existing revenues, and that’s the fact that our legislators need to realize. We need them to see reality and stand up for California’s families and students. I want to pursue my education and be successful, and it’s crucial that we support our state’s infrastructure by maintaining revenues,” said Hector Guzman, San Bernardino Valley College student said.

The families who gathered today in front of Riverside’s Mission Inn are among the seniors, parents, workers and business owners across the state who have put aside their differences to support Governor Brown’s plan to close the state’s budget gap, recognizing a balanced approach is needed to protect jobs and move California’s economic recovery forward. The Governor’s plan includes cuts already signed into law which will start to go into effect in the coming weeks. The plan also includes a proposal to maintain existing revenues.

The broad swath of Inland Empire families represented at today’s rally demonstrated the far-ranging and deep impact billions of dollars in state budget cuts have already had on families across California. Some of these include:

• $18 billion in education cuts made over the last three years have resulted in bigger class sizes, less classroom time, and layoffs of teachers, school bus drivers, cafeteria workers. As a result of cuts made this year, 60,000 children will lose child care their families need in order to keep working.
• 120,000 children will lose Healthy Families (healthcare for children) coverage because their families can’t afford higher premiums.
• 7.7 million Californians will feel the effects of higher premiums, caps on doctor’s visits, and fewer providers through the Medi-Cal program.
• 1.1 million seniors and people with disabilities will absorb cuts in cash payments for food and rent.
• 43,000 Californians who need access to home care to stay safe at home may lose this critical service.
• 240,000 children with developmental disabilities like autism, Down’s syndrome and mental retardation will have critical services cut.