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November 20, 2009

4^th Special Session Derails

The 4^th special session derailed until Monday November 23.  The goal is to cut $350 million from state agencies in order to balance the 2010 state budget. Two Republicans, Senators Gould and Vershoor balked at a provision to allow agency directors to raise fees --- basically claiming that is akin to raising taxes and the responsibility of the legislature. The bill failed on a vote of 14 to 13. Senate President Bob Burns said he would consider addressing the concern over the fees. Democrats voted as a block against the bills, expressing concern that the state was not looking at raising revenue in addition to cutting. The Senate will reconsider their failed vote on Monday.

Unfortunately, the failure on Thursday only postpones the inevitable.  There is no vision in the majority party at this time to address revenues directly or to refer a measure to voters.  That leaves just one option in their ideological mindset: cutting programs.  Over 330,000 people, children, families, and vulnerable adults have already had their health and human services eliminated or severely curtailed. These cuts will just make official what is already being implemented by DES, DHS, and AHCCCS despite the Governor’s vetoes. 

WHAT THE DES LUMP SUM REDUCTION IN THIS SPECIAL SESSION WILL MEAN:
• No general fund support for Healthy Families program, a program that’s been proven to avoid child abuse and help fragile young families get off on the right foot.
• Elimination of the Homeless Youth Intervention program, leaving the state’s community and faith-based partners totally responsible for helping these young people becomes self-sufficient.
• Cuts to the highly successful substance abuse treatment program for families involved in the CPS system, which means more children will be removed from their homes.
• Cuts to hunger, emergency services and domestic violence programs at a time when demand is up and private support is down.
• Continuation of the general fund cut to child care that resulted in the turnaway list (now at 9,605 children)
• Continuation of the 20% reduction to the TANF Cash Assistance grant, money that often means keeping a roof over a family’s head driving families deeper into poverty without resources or tools to overcome the recession.
• Cuts to case managers in the DD system and to provider rates, meaning that children and adults who need these services will not be able to get them.
• Cuts to the operations budget within DES, making a state agency that is already

It is going to get much worse unless revenue options are used.  Rumors aboundthat even further reductions will be necessary for the current year, and the proposed cuts for 2011 will be even more severe. There must conversations and consideration of revenue options in order to avoid wholesale destruction of Arizona’s health and human services safety net.  See the Arizona Budget Coalition options for “bridge” revenues to weather the crisis.  Many of these options are difficult bitter pills to swallow, but they enable a future rather than destroying public education and health and humans services in the present.  For detailed information on the revenue alternatives go to: http://www.azchildren.org/MyFiles/09%20legislature%202/abc%20revenue%20options,%2011-16-09.pdf

Thanks to Jodi Liggett at the Arizona Foundation for Women and Karen McLaughlin at Children’s Action Alliance for supplying content and ideas for this PAFCO Update. 

Special Update

GOVERNOR’S VETO LEAVES A BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET HOLE TO FIX.

·         On Friday September 4, the Governor used her line item veto authority to eliminate portions of the General Appropriations bill including elimination of $50 million in cuts to DES, $220 in cuts to K-12 education, and rejecting a repeal of an education property tax that would have cost the State $250 million in revenue. 

·         The legislature has still failed to send a referendum to the voters for a 1% sales tax increase.  Now the earliest a sales tax increase could be voted on would be March 2010.

·         The current-year state budget still needs to be balanced. New stable, fair, and equitable revenue sources need to be identified and passed. PAFCO continues to work with the Arizona Budget Coalition to develop practical and workable revenue solutions.

·         Over 330,000 people had their health and human services severely cut or eliminated in the 2009 cuts. 

·         Most agencies are implementing another 5% cut on top of that as 2010 cuts are implemented or anticipated.  For example, DES is expected continue to operate at its current level which anticipates another $50 million cut on top of the $153 loss of funding in the 2009 budget cuts.  A detailed list of 2009 cuts is provided below. 

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE PREPARING FOR MORE CUTS IN CURRENT YEAR BUDGET

·         Last Friday September 11, the Governor’s budget office asked state executive branch agencies to prepare up to 20% cut packages because state revenues continue to fall well below expectations.

·         It is clear that the budget process for the current fiscal year is not finished. This year Arizona is taking advantage of federal stimulus dollars to help offset our deficit. When that funding is gone in future years, the state deficit is expected to grow to nearly $3 billion dollars. New adequate and equitable revenue sources are critical to short and long-term solutions. 

RECESSION CONTINUES IN ARIZONA – POVERTY AND THE NUMBER OF UNINSURED GROWS   

·         While safety net programs in DES and DHS public and behavioral health programs continue to be cut, the number of uninsured continues to grow.   

·         AHCCCS caseload is growing at an annual rate of almost 17% and will need a supplemental appropriation to get through the current year.  

·         In addition new data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that an increasing number of Arizonans and their children are losing private health insurance coverage.  Public coverage such as AHCCCS/Medicaid and KidsCare has filled in some of the gap, but many people losing private coverage have become uninsured.

·         Some 68% of all Arizonans, at the start of this decade, had private health insurance.  By 2008 that rate had decreased to 60%.  KidsCare coverage for parents, paid with a combination of federal funds, state dollars, and premiums paid by families, is ending October 1 due to state budget cuts.  This will add nearly 10,000 more parents to the ranks of the uninsured. 

·         Additionally, poverty continues to increase in Arizona based on latest data and is now almost 17% with rates much higher for rural Arizona and in communities of color. 

·         Food banks continue experience tremendous demand.  42% more food has been distributed in the last year as compared to last year. 

·         (Thanks to Association of Arizona Food Banks and CAA for this information and data.)

ACTION STEPS --- WHAT CAN WE DO IN THE INTERIM TILL THE NEXT SPECIAL SESSION?

·         Tell the storyof the impact of the current budget cuts as much as possible and as often as possible.  Remember most legislators, the governor’s staff and general public don’t see the impact and suffering, the negative consequences, what most “insiders” --- consumers, families, staff, board members, and volunteers experience everyday.  Use the general data below or gather other data from your experiences --- but tell the story of the impact over and over.  We have resources to help you tell the story.  Contact this email:  tim@pafcoalition.org.  PAFCO is working with key health and human services to promote stories about the consequences of the budget cuts.  There must be no more cuts to health and human services.  Basic services have already be devastated.

·         Write the Governorand tell her to keep her commitment to protect health and human services for children, families and adults from any further cuts.  IN her words: “The budget is fatally flawed” …. “I will not give up on the fight for our most vulnerable citizens.”  DES is essentially implementing another $50 million in cuts in 2010 despite the veto.  This must be reversed. 

·         Be prepared to write your legislatorsand legislative leadership about the impact of the 2009 and 2010 budget cuts to health and human services.

·         Be ready to act when a special session is called.  Current rumors are that there may be a special session in November sometime. 

THE 2010 BUDGET BILLS CONTINUE AND DEEPEN THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF CUTS FROM 2009 budget cuts:

·         DES NO longer investigates 100 percent of Adult Protective Services reports leaving many vulnerable adults at risk.

·         Eliminating independent living supports for 450 older Arizonans leaving these elders at risk of institutionalization, hospitalization or other similarbad consequences.

·         Eliminate lifespan respite care funding which eliminates services for 130 caregivers.

·         Eliminate $75 monthly grandparent kinship care stipend for 100 grandparents.

·         Eliminate General Assistance with the final benefit paid in February to 1,500 disabled adults leaving these people at risk of homelessness, hospitalization or other similar bad consequences

·         DES is still not investigating 100 percent of potential risk reports made to the Child Protective Services because of CPS staff cutbacks and furloughs potentially leaving thousands of children at risk. 

·         Reduce independent living stipends paid to 400 children aging out of the foster care system by 10 percent.

·         Reduce or eliminate in-home services for 4,000 children and reduce or eliminate support this could result in many more children going into foster care.

·         Reduce substance abuse services contracts, eliminating services for 1,400 individuals --- again leaving children in foster care or forcing children in foster care because treatment for family members is not available.

·         Reduce Healthy Families eliminating prevention services for 3,500 families and thousands of at risk children potential in harms way. 

·         Reduce Family Foster Care payments by 20%.

·         Reduce homeless shelter services decreasing shelter capacity by 1,100 individuals at a time when more and more families are experiencing homelessness. 

·         Reduce community action program services eliminating short term crisis services for 1,000 families

·         Reduce contracts with food banks and reducing capacity for food distribution.

·         Preliminary cuts to domestic violence services were announced totaling $1.3 million dollar. 

·         Child Care --- Impose a waiting list for new low-income working families.  At least a couple of thousand children have already been turned away.

·         Developmental Disabilities --- Reduce provider rates by 10 percent plus reductions in other state only services yet to be determined, staff reductions will cause caseloads to rise.

·         Children's Behavioral Health Services - Reduce the level of Children's Behavioral Health state-only funded services for 5,581 children.

·         Children's Rehabilitative Services - Suspend non-title XIX Children's Rehabilitative services for 2,700 enrollees.

·         Senior Food Program - Suspend 13,708 senior food boxes (each totaling 45 pounds of food).

·         Mental Health Non- Title XIX - Reduce the level of general mental health state-only funded services for 17,179 individuals.

·         Substance Abuse Non- Title XIX - Reduce the level substance abuse state-only funded services for 8,415 individuals.

·         Reduce community health center services for 5,529 individuals.

·         93,000 elderly and people with disabilities have had the prescription drug copayments eliminated and this will continue in 2010 budget.

Specifically in this 2010 budget, there is the termination of the KidsCare Parents, another $50 million (vetoed) in lump sum cuts to DES, another $29 million to DHS (approved) and another $12 million to AHCCCS(approved). Public policy goals like eliminating all turnaways from DV shelters are being abandoned, paying health and human services providers like child care centers decent rates are history, attacking poverty through JOBS and TANF are dead ideas of the past, supporting and empowering people with disabilities for independence with temporary support thru GA and vocational rehabilitation are dreams forgotten.  Homeless shelters are experiencing near double demand. Full boxes of food are things of past for hungry people. Support for low income elders and people with disabilities for their prescription drugs are fond memories for 93,000 Arizonans. Protecting vulnerable adults by investigating 100% of APS referrals is tragic lost idea.  CPS is still struggling to investigate 100% of referrals and family services remain devastated.  DES is closing 31 offices around the state.  And low income families and individuals should plan to pay higher premiums for health care and mental health services. 

The 2009 and proposed 2010 cuts to DES and DHS are making permanent changes in the public human services safety net, basic needs services in Arizona, and changing significant direction for public policy in Arizona for health and human services.

August 7, 2009

The Senate and House met Friday August 7, and recessed until Monday August 10 without taking any votes on the budget and tax bills.  The Senate actually had 14 members absent today.  Most members will return Monday and they will attempt again to pass a budget.  The House has already passed the new budget bills and is just waiting on the Senate to act --- if they can get enough votes. 

CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR ---- VOTE TALLY IS CLOSE, BUT STILL NOT ENOUGH
The Senate is currently one vote short of passing the main appropriations bill, and probably two votes short on other budget bills.  If ultimately the Senate cannot deliver the Republican votes, negotiations may have to begin with Democrats.  Most Democrats oppose the sales tax (preferring to broaden the tax base), do not support tax cuts, and want to avoid further agency budget reductions.  But, the Governor and legislative leadership have shown that they will do anything to get a Republican-only budget passed. 

SENATE CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE TO GET VOTES.  

Monday’s session will be very important.  Earlier this week, the Senate again failed to muster the required 16 votes to pass the 2010 budget in Special Session.  Last Friday, the House passed 10 budget bills, which have the Governor's support since they include the 1% sales tax (for 2 years, .5% for 1 year).  As a group, the bills are worse for Arizona’s children, families and vulnerable adults than the bills that were vetoed July 1st.   Also, there is now a devastating, mandatory 5% reduction of State employees --- negotiated in the deal to get Senator Jack Harper’s vote.  As a package, these bills do not provide the revenue needed by the State in the coming years, since the sales tax increase is now coupled with reductions of $400 million in personal and corporate income taxes, elimination of a $250 million property tax, and a spending limit.  They would also allow the legislature to tap voter approved (currently protected) funding for health, education and early childhood.
 
HOLDOUTS ON BUDGET AND TAX PACKAGE – Support Senator Carolyn Allen

BAD BUDGET WITH SERIOUS LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES FOR CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

·         PAFCO opposes this budget approach which seriously cuts program like Kidscare parents, imposes further lump sum cuts on DES, another $50 million making the 2009 and 2010 total $130 million, and DHS with another $29 million lump sum cut. 

·         This lump sum cuts will result in further deeper program cuts as 2009 cuts are annualized and more cuts imposed.   

·         There is a new 5% mandatory state employee staff reduction negotiated in this budget by Senator Jack Harper as part of the deal to get his vote on the final budget and tax package.

·         Only CPS, community health programs, and some DD programs are being backfilled with general funds and federal stimulus, but when the stimulus money runs out, these programs will experience a serious lack of funding --- a cliff of sorts in funding needed from other sources.  Most other health and human services will continue to take serious and deeper cuts if this package were approved.

·         The proposed tax cuts would actually create and contribute to larger structural deficit long term. 

An analysis by House Democrats indicates the after the increased revenue from a sales tax is compared to the loss of revenue from the property tax and income tax cuts, the state only gains $75 million dollars over the four year life span of the sales tax --- when the state now has a “structural deficit” approaching $3 billion.

·         There is also an attack on voter protection funds for health care, education, early childhood education and other funds in the form of proposed referral to suspension voter protected funding for three years to use those funds to solve the state’s deficit issues. 

July 31, 2009

THANKFULLY REPUBLICANS FAIL AGAIN TO PASS A BAD BUDGET --- SENATE FALLS CRITICAL VOTES SHORT IN EARLY MORNING HOURS.

The Majority Party Republicans tried again and failed again to pass a budget in a late overnight session which only ended in early dawn hours.  There were no bipartisan efforts like with the July 6 temporary fix.

As widely reported the House passed last night along party line votes a set of budget and tax bills which severely cut programs and taxes.  However, the Senate failed to pass the same bills in very early morning hours.  They were two votes short.  Conservative Senators Ron Gould and Pam Gorman combined with Senator Jay Tibshraeny were ready to vote no so the bills did not came up for a vote.  The deal included a new 5% reduction of about 1800- 2000 state employees, a reduction which essentially got Senator Jack Harper to vote for the package.  He admitted in committee this “quid pro quo” for his vote.  Senator Carolyn Allen, a reported no vote, was not present at all and at home nursing a serious leg injury from a fall at the Capital.  

Early this morning, the Governor tried to persuade Senator Pam Gorman to vote yes but the Senator would not budge on her opposition to a tax referral.  This was even after the deal was “sweetened” for the conservatives with large personal and corporate income tax cuts and permanent reduction of the state equalization tax --- a loss of about $250 million dollars. 

Many Republican House members voted YES for the budget very reluctantly explaining their votes that they wanted more cuts and no tax increases as the proposal was constructed.  Many said they had come to realize this was the “best deal” (as their leadership explained it) they could get with the Governor who continues to insist on a sales tax increase and referral of the suspension of voter protected programs.  Representatives Biggs, Crump and Quelland voted NO on the major budget measures for a variety of reasons.

CHAMPIONS FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE

Senate and House Democrats were champions in both the committees and on the floor for children, families and vulnerable adults and health and human services and public education.  They were smart, articulate, and passionate in their defense of the vulnerable while posing viable alternatives to the deep cuts and the creation of more deficits with more tax cuts as proposed. 

We need to be grateful for the Democrats who have been steadfast voices for the children, families and vulnerable adults and also the Republicans who has the courage to stand up against the bad budget approach. 

Taken together these property tax cuts and income tax cuts would offset the $1.85 billion that would be raised from a new one cent sales referral being proposed by the Governor.  The proposed corporate tax cut is about a 30% percent reduction in the rate.  Conservatives were claiming this type of tax cut would spur investments and recovery in the economy.  But a JLBC analysis of a similarly proposed tax cut last year, said of a tax cut of $200 million dollars would yield only about 5% return in state revenues. 

Please take a moment to thank Democratic legislators for all they've done to support children, families and vulnerable adults.  Also, thank Republicans Jay Tibshraeny, Carolyn Allen, and Doug Quelland as they have stepped up for health and human services and public education.

BAD BUDGET WITH SERIOUS LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES FOR CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

Lost in all the reporting about the chaotic budget process and the failure to pass a budget with lack of bipartisanship and the stubbornness of many legislators is the serious egregious nature of this proposed budget. 

·         PAFCO opposes this budget approach which seriously cuts program like Kidscare parents, imposes further lump sum cuts on DES, another $50 million making the 2009 and 2010 total $130 million, and DHS with another $29 million lump sum cut. 

·         This lump sum cuts will result in further deeper program cuts as 2009 cuts are annualized and more cuts imposed.   

·         There is a new 5% mandatory state employee staff reduction negotiated in this budget by Senator Jack Harper as part of the deal to get his vote on the final budget and tax package.

·         Only CPS, community health programs, and some DD programs are being backfilled with general funds and federal stimulus, but when the stimulus money runs out, these programs will experience a serious lack of funding --- a cliff of sorts in funding needed from other sources.  Most other health and human services will continue to take serious and deeper cuts if this package were approved.

·         The proposed tax cuts would actually create and contribute to larger structural deficit long term.  An analysis by House Democrats indicates the after the increased revenue from a sales tax is compared to the loss of revenue from the property tax and income tax cuts, the state only gains $75 million dollars over the four year life span of the sales tax --- when the state now has a “structural deficit approaching $3 billion.

·         There is also an attack on voter protection funds for health care, education, early childhood education and other funds in the form of proposed referral to suspension voter protected funding for three years to use those funds to solve the state’s deficit issues. 

PAFCO SUPPORTS INCREASING REVENUES --- We support a bipartisan approach to budget solutions.

·         PAFCO supports revenue increases as part of the necessary solutions to current state budget problems.

·         We support progressive tax approaches and oppose any type of flat tax that will shift the tax responsibility to low income and working families or any type of TABOR approach which will severely limit revenues and hamper state government’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities for the common good. 

·         We also continue to support tax reform from our legislative position statement for this legislative session: “All options, including strengthening revenues and closing tax exemption loopholes, must be considered.   Tax cuts must be rejected.  Arizona needs tax reformto create a fair, equitable and adequate tax base to enable government to carryout its responsibilities for the common good.” (PAFCO Legislative Principles Statement for 2009 Legislature – December 2008)

·         Clearly some types of revenue increases are necessary to help Arizona meet it financial obligations without further destroying its responsibilities for public safety, education and universities and health and human services for children, families and vulnerable adults. 

LEGISATURE WILL TRY AGAIN – Tuesday August 4

The Legislature is set to reconvene on next Tuesday August 4 at 1pm.  There are conflicting reports about whether the Senate will have enough votes next week to pass a budget.  The Legislature has a deadline of late next week for the referral of the sales tax increase to get it on the November ballot.  

We must remain vigilant and oppose this bad budget approach.  There are viable alternatives.   Consult the Arizona Budget Coalition website.  Have you contacted your legislators yet and expressed your concerns about this budget?  Take Action below!!!

Summer Update

MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE – REVENUES NEEDED TO CLOSE BUDGET GAP

·         While the Legislature and the Governor have done a temporary fix, (Legislature passed 4 bills fixing education and federal stimulus funding on Monday, Governor signed into law on Thursday) --- much remains to be done --- particularly generating revenues to close the budget gap. 

·         Technically the state has a budget, but it is a couple of billion dollars out of balance --- that is short of revenue. 

·         Both House and Senate Republican and Democratic leadership talks have begun with some discussion of process and assignments of research to staff.  We are grateful for this inclusive bi partisan approach to policy and decision making.  We hope for more openness and transparency as the process unfolds.

·         The schedule for completing the budget is to be determined.  However, leadership apparently have set an October 1 deadline noting that they must have something resolved for future education payments by October 15.

·         Most executive agencies are using the Governor’s budget numbers to determine contracts and funding levels until a final budget is passed.  

·         For example, DES will operate on the Governor’s budget numbers, not the current technical appropriation level of $802 million in the law, allocating funds by the quarter until a final budget for DES is determined. 

·         This means more cuts in some areas, but also some restorations like in CPS, but not full restorations as might be contemplated at the $802 million level.  It seems a prudent approach given the budgetary chaos. 

·         Practically, this means many cuts from 2009 budget fix will be sustained unless reversed in the current special session budget negotiations --- with some exceptions like CPS funding for 100% investigations and some services restoration.  Also some programs for people with disabilities are being restored.  Other programs may be cut to stay within the proposed Governor’s budget proposals until a final budget is passed and signed into law.

·         With the Governor’s vetoes, the annualization of cuts and other funding cuts were restored as part of line item veto process.  For details go the JLBC website for a detailed presentation at http://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/veto%20impact%207.6.pdf

·         Click here for a summary of the budget as it relates to education.  (Thanks to AEA for supplying this information.)

PAFCO SUPPORTS INCREASING REVENUES

·         PAFCO supports revenue increases as part of the necessary solutions to current state budget problems.

·         We support progressive tax approaches and oppose any type of flat tax that will shift the tax responsibility to low income and working families or any type of TABOR approach which will severely limit revenues and hamper state government’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities for the common good. 

·         We also continue to support tax reform from our legislative position statement for this legislative session: “All options, including strengthening revenues and closing tax exemption loopholes, must be considered.   Tax cuts must be rejected.  Arizona needs tax reformto create a fair, equitable and adequate tax base to enable government to carryout its responsibilities for the common good.” (PAFCO Legislative Principles Statement for 2009 Legislature – December 2008)

·         Clearly some types of revenue increases are necessary to help Arizona meet it financial obligations without further destroying its responsibilities for public safety, education and universities and health and human services for children, families and vulnerable adults. 

HEALTH CARE ADVOCACY TRAINING 

·         St. Lukes Health Initiatives has again funded PAFCO to do health care advocacy training as part of a collaborative project with Children’s Action Alliance and the Arizona Ecumenical Council. 

·         Please schedule PAFCO advocacy training for your regular meetings, other gatherings, conferences and workshops.

·         Besides on site training, we will do webinars and other approaches.

·         The project will set up a shared website that will include lots of different resources, Facebook pages, Twitter accounts etc and other means of sharing resources and communication.

·         Schedule us today or request more information.  Email this address to schedule a time and location or with questions.

July 6, 2009

THE LEGISLATURE KICKED THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD WITH TEMPORARY SPENDING FIXES.

·         The Legislature met today in the special session and passed several bills as temporary fixes the spending problems created by the Governor’s vetoes.

·         Under the third special session on the ALIS legislative website, look for HB2001-2004 which fix education and AHCCCS health care spending for the coming fiscal year. 

·         The Democratic caucuses were finally at the table and these bills passed in a bi partisan fashion with more than two thirds majorities.

·         The Governor’s vetoes effectively restore most of 2009 spending in the Department of Economic Security and Department of Health Services.  For example, DES funding started the year at $808 million and now is at $802 million with Governor’s vetoes.  DHS funding goes to $638 million higher than the original 2009 budget.

·         With the Governor’s vetoes, the annualization of cuts and other funding cuts were restored as part of line item veto process.  For details go the JLBC website for a detailed presentation at http://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/veto%20impact%207.6.pdf

·         Click here for a summary of the budget as it relates to education.  (Thanks to AEA for supplying this information. (Some observers think the President and the Speaker agreed to deal to save charter school funding and had to include public schools.  They also acted to make sure the state doesn’t lose federal stimulus funding for health care.)

·         However, the budget solution is temporary, restoring some funding for public education and the Department of Economic Security, but stopping short of balancing the budget. 

Big Challenges AHEAD --- Finding the new revenue for these revised spending targets.

·         The Governor, thru her vetoes and the Legislature in their actions today, set new targets for spending partially solving the education cuts in the 2010 budget and also setting new targets for health and human services. 

·         The Legislature must again act in a bi-partisan, inclusive manner, to generate the revenue for responsible budgets going forward.  Today’s action must not be an isolated incident of bipartisan cooperation but a new way to act together in new and responsible way for the common good and the future of all Arizona’s families.

·         The Legislature leadership and the Governor hopefully learned today that including Democrats in the process enables positive steps forward for children, families and vulnerable adults.

·         Today’s actions are temporary fixes.  More needs to be done. 

·         Stay tuned.  After passing the bills, the Legislature adjourned the special session to meet again next week on Monday July 13. 

·         More work is to be done including passing a referral for a temporary tax increase. 

·         In the meantime, Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate will go to work on finding an agreement on revenue sources to support the spending in this budget as well as work on other budget measures.

·         All options, including strengthening revenues and closing tax exemption loopholes, must be considered.  

·         Tax cuts must be rejected. 

·         Arizona needs tax reformto create a fair, equitable and adequate tax base to enable government to carryout its responsibilities for the common good.

June 26, 2009

GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP APPARENTLY AGREE ON BUDGET DEAL – Final votes probably on Monday June 29

·         By all reports from multiple sources, the Governor and Legislative have agreed on budget that will avoid a government shutdown --- but at what price for education and health and human services.

·         Details on health and human services and impact on children, families, and vulnerable adults were not available this afternoon at this publication time.

·         Rumors indicate that AHCCCS provider cuts have been reduced from 10% to 5% and now will include a medical inflation factor of 2%.

·         However, the budget agreement apparently still includes about $600 million cuts and sweeps including cuts to education and health and human services.

·         The deal includes referring a sales tax increase of 1% to the ballot in November 2009. (HCR2037)

·         Some rumors have the equalization tax not being repealed, but again the details will be important in all of this.

·         The deal also includes some sort of flat tax or flat rate on income taxes.  

·         We have many concerns about a flat rate income tax and its impact on fixed income and low income families.  

·         The adoption of a “Flat Tax” or “Flat Rate” for the Income Tax without adjustments to the Income Tax base such as, eliminating deductions, exemptions, exclusions, etc. will most certainly reap two results: 1) there will be a substantial loss of revenue; and 2) the income tax burden will be disproportionately downloaded upon low income households and individuals.

·         If adjustments are made to the base in an effort to make the proposal “revenue neutral”, the tax burden will still be disproportionately downloaded to families and individuals with lower incomes. Basically a “Flat Tax” is tax relief for higher income producing families and individuals and very often, simultaneously advances the objective of decreasing and limiting government spending thus again severely impacting health and human services and education.   

·         Another rumor says that SCR 1009 the referral of the repeal and changing of voter protection measures will NOT be a part of any final deal.

·         The apparent plan/schedule is for legislative leadership to brief their members after 4pm today or later Friday afternoon.  4pm was also the target for publication of details on the deal.

·         The House Appropriations Committee has set of striker trailer bills on their agenda for Saturday morning for 9am with final votes particularly in the Senate set for Monday.   Some rumors have House doing COW on the bills tomorrow too. (Nothing was published on line yet on the bills.)

·         The striker trailer bills are numbered HB2643 thru 2653 plus HCR2037 the referral to the ballot of sales tax.

·         We will do updates daily as necessary or as developments occur.  Everything is very fluid.  Stay tuned.

·         THE ARIZONA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (AEA), a PAFCO partner in the Arizona Budget Coalition, is having a special rally at the Capital on Saturday morning June 27 at 9am to protest against budget cuts to education and other vital services.  Join in and protect children and families.

The House and Senate passed budget includes severe cuts or policy changes in the following major health and human services areas. Specifically our major concerns include:

o        Another $74 million lump sum cut to DES services continuing the policy of not investigating 100% of child protective services referrals, not providing needed in home services, and support services and reimbursement to foster families.

o        Additionally this $74 lump sum cut to DES will impose additional severe cuts in aging and community services, crisis and hunger programs, adult protection, grandparents’ kinship care, programs for people with disabilities and developmental disabilities, homeless and domestic violence, adult protective services, jobs and TANF support, child care, and other social safety net services. These cuts will continue the total dismantling of the human services safety net in Arizona.  These cuts will leave thousands more people at risk and put many at risk of death.

o        Eliminates KIDSCARE parents’ health care leaving 9,000 low income adults at risk and also reduces KIDSCARE eligibility potentially leaving 25,000 children at risk.

o        Makes significant changes in behavioral health eligibility by lowering eligibility to 100% of poverty leaving significant populations at risk and without services.

o        Sweeps Housing Trust Funds and makes changes to use of the fund previously dedicated to affordable housing, homeless and emergency services.

o        Makes cuts in AHCCCS provider rates on top of the 2009 cuts which further jeopardizes services in rural areas and particular populations like persons with disabilities.

o        Makes changes to privatize prisons which budget savings are suspect but also may jeopardize prisoner safety and dignity and potentially community safety.

We need to continue to urge the Governor to protect health and human services for children, families, and vulnerable adults.

We must urge the Governor to stand strong for a budget that will be fair to Arizona citizens to not jeopardize Arizona's future through irresponsible cuts,

regressive tax increases by using all options available including more federal stimulus funds, responsible tax increases, and innovative approaches.

June 19, 2009

PAFCO – Arizona Budget Coalition - Group Events at the Capital

·         Tuesday June 23 at Supreme Court --- 10am --- Gather outside Supreme Court to protect health and human services.

·         Tuesday Noon June 23 ‘YOU’RE NOT LISTENING RALLY” --- planned press conference by provider disability groups lead by Tungland Corp with parents, staff and people with disabilities “You are not listening to us” with ear muffs as the symbol.  Speakers and placards, pleading for the Legislature to listen and avoid cuts.   

·         Wednesday June 24 at Capital – AZDAC and ABIL Disability Groups --- 11am in DES cafeteria for PAFCO/ABC presence. 

2010 Budget Update
The next fiscal year (FY10) begins on July 1.  The clock is ticking...12 days from today.

·         Budget discussions continue to go on behind closed doors as Legislative leadership still hold their flawed budget and have not sent it to the Governor.  It seems the Legislative leadership recognizes the flawed nature of the budget they passed and are fearful of Governor’s veto outcomes.  

·         Governor Brewer is still negotiating with the Legislative Republican Leadership, leaving the Democrats out of the process.  Wouldn’t a bi-partisan budget be good for the state, children, families and vulnerable adults?

·         The Arizona Supreme Court will hear Brewer's lawsuit on Tuesday morning requesting that Senate President Burns be forced to transmit the Republican budget bills that passed on June 4.   A copy of Governor’s Supreme Court special filing can be found at the Governor’s website: http://www.azgovernor.gov/dms/upload/NR_061609_BrewerVBurnsPetitionSpecialAction.pdf

·         State agencies preparing shut down plans of all services except federally funded, constitutionally mandated, voter protected, or court ordered. 

·         State contractors for health and human services (like all small and large businesses doing work with the state) are wondering what will be considered “essential” based on those types of criteria.  What 24 hour service programs like homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, what types of home and community based services, what CPS or Adult Protective services will be considered essential? What authorized services will be honored for payment?

·         Or will this all unnecessary and costly anxiety disappear soon with a budget deal?  Stay tuned and continue to take action.  Keep up the pressure and accountability.

·                     TAKE ACTION ON BILLS OF CONCERN BELOW.

·                     TAKE ACTION by joining the actions at the Capital this week.

·                     TAKE ACTION by urging Governor to veto the budget bills as bad for health and human services.

The House and Senate budget includes severe cuts or policy changes in the following major health and human services areas. Specifically our major concerns include:

o        Another $74 million lump sum cut to DES services continuing the policy of not investigating 100% of child protective services referrals, not providing needed in home services, and support services and reimbursement to foster families.

o        Additionally this $74 lump sum cut to DES will impose additional severe cuts in aging and community services, crisis and hunger programs, adult protection, grandparents’ kinship care, programs for people with disabilities and developmental disabilities, homeless and domestic violence, adult protective services, jobs and TANF support, child care, and other social safety net services. These cuts will continue the total dismantling of the human services safety net in Arizona.  These cuts will leave thousands more people at risk and put many at risk of death.

o        Eliminates KIDSCARE parents’ health care leaving 9,000 low income adults at risk and also reduces KIDSCARE eligibility potentially leaving 25,000 children at risk.

o        Makes significant changes in behavioral health eligibility by lowering eligibility to 100% of poverty leaving significant populations at risk and without services.

o        Sweeps Housing Trust Funds and makes changes to use of the fund previously dedicated to affordable housing, homeless and emergency services.

o        Makes cuts in AHCCCS provider rates on top of the 2009 cuts which further jeopardizes services in rural areas and particular populations like persons with disabilities.

o        Makes changes to privatize prisons which budget savings are suspect but also may jeopardize prisoner safety and dignity and potentially community safety.

State health and human services agencies have posted 2010 budget information on their websites outlining potential impacts.

·                     Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System/AHCCCS:

                     http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#FY_2010_State_Budget_Reduction_Options

·                     Department of Economic Security:

·                     https://egov.azdes.gov/cmsinternet/main.aspx?menu=12&id=3726

·                     Department of Health Services:

·                     http://www.azdhs.gov/pdf/FY%202010%20Executive%20Budget.pdf

There are currently three major budget proposals

o        The Governor’s budget proposal (http://www.governor.state.az.us/Budget2010.asp,)

o        The Joint House and Senate Leadership proposal (http://www.azhouserepublicans.com/files/house-and-senate-budget-plan-6_3_9.pdf )

o        The House and Senate Democrats proposal (www.strongerarizona.com). 

o        The Democrats’ proposal restores and protects health and human services for children, families and vulnerable to the greatest extent.

·         PAFCO recognizes the severe difficulties in the state budget revenues. 

o        Clearly budget adjustments are necessary.  Long term solutions must be developed. 

o        However, there are alternatives to further cuts and to continuing the current 2009 cuts.  

o        PAFCO helped organize the Arizona Budget Coalition which has proposed $4 billion dollars of non-tax revenue options and over $2 billion of tax revenue options to solve the state’s budget crisis. 

See www.arizonabudgetcoalition.org

JUNE --- 30 DAYS OF ACTION – ARIZONA BUDGET COALITION.

·         Each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday throughout June, citizen groups will gather at 11am for a briefing, visits and calls, gallery introductions and other actions urging legislators to protect education and health and human services. ABC provides all logistical support and training as necessary.  To sponsor or participate in day of action, contact Tim at this email tim@pafcoalition.org.  

FOR DETAILED ADVOCACY TALKING POINTS AND RESOURCES GO TO PAFCO WEBSITE --- WWW.PAFCOALITION.ORG

June 12, 2009

PAFCO – Arizona Budget Coalition - Group Events at the Capital

·         PAFCO/Arizona Budget Coalition Daily Presence – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 11am – DES Cafeteria plaza.

·         Tuesday  June 16 – ABC/PAFCO Day – Arizona Coalition against Domestic Violence at 11am in DES cafeteria

·         Tuesday June 16 at 12 Noon – The “WIZARD OF AZ” PRESS CONFERENCE for a Brain, a Heart and Courage for the Legislature

A HEATED STALEMATE ON THE BUDGET --- Press Conference on Tuesday June 16 at Noon on the Capital Lawn where the Wizard of AZ hopes the Legislature will urge legislators to get a Heart, a Brain, and Courage!

·         The Legislature passes a budget but doesn’t send it to the Governor to veto.

·         It is a bad budget for children, families and vulnerable adults, health and human services and education --- see take action letter and press conference below.

·         Governor has public hearing of stakeholders this past Tuesday, which outlines all the bad parts of the Legislative budget, potential loss of federal stimulus funds, lack of compliance with court orders and state law like Arnold v Sarn, and other negative impacts on health and education.

·         Negotiations continue but House and Senate leadership can’t agree on what happened in meeting with Governor.  Did they agree to refer a tax increase or not?  Confusion reigns.

·         Democratic leadership meets with Governor and reports the Governor might shut down state government to get her budget which is better for children, families and vulnerable adults.

·         And the stalemate continues with plenty of brinkmanship displayed all around.

·         TAKE ACTION – Join the press conference on Tuesday June 16.

·         TAKE ACTION – Write the Governor and tell her to veto the bad budget (if it is ever sent to her).  See click and send letter below.  And if you have sent a letter, call her office and urge her to veto the bad budget.

·         TAKE ACTION – Sign in and urge Senate Appropriations members on Tuesday June 16 at 1:30pm  to vote against bad budget bills:

o        SB1324 – Cuts corporate income taxes losing $250 million dollars when fully implemented in absence of comprehensive tax reform.  Let’s not dig the hole deeper.

o        SCR1006 – Reduces the State Appropriation Limit – an unnecessary change since the state has a secure limit already, further tying the hands of legislature to respond to changing circumstances.

o        SCR1009 – Designed to un-protect voter protected funds in education, health care and early childhood education so Legislature can raid them. 

o        For details go to: View Who's for Kids and Who's Just Kidding? here.

June 1, 2009

PAFCO – Arizona Budget Coalition - Group Events at the Capital

·         PAFCO/Arizona Budget Coalition Daily Presence – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 11am – DES Cafeteria plaza.

·         Wednesday June 10 – ABC/PAFCO Day – Children’s Action Alliance and Southwest Human Development at 11am in DES cafeteria

·         Thursday June 11 – ABC/PAFCO Day – NAMI – MHA – ABHC – Behavioral Health Day at 11am in DES Cafeteria.

·         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet to stop 2010 budget cuts?

SENATE AND HOUSE PASS A BAD BUDGET but legislative leadership doesn’t send the bills to the Governor.

·         The Senate and House passed a budget along party lines this past week which continues the massive cuts of the 2009 budget fix to health and human services and makes significantly more lump sum cuts to DES. 

·         The Governor is rumored to veto it if it comes to her.  BUT the leadership is withholding it from the Governor.  It seems the Senate and House leadership are using this budget as a negotiating strategy.   

·         The House and Senate budget includes severe cuts or policy changes in the following major health and human services areas:

o        Another $74 million lump sum cut to DES services putting thousands more children, families and vulnerable adults at risk and cutting programs acrossed the board forcing additional severe cuts in aging and community services, crisis and hunger programs, child protection, foster parent support, grandparents kinship, and child welfare programs, programs for people with disabilities and developmental disabilities, homeless and domestic violence, adult protective services, jobs and TANF support, child care, and other social safety net services.

o        DES would take over a 10% cut overall in general funds keeping child protective services and adult protective services below investigating 100% of referrals. 

o        These cuts will continue the total dismantling of the human services safety net in Arizona.  These cuts will leave thousands more people at risk.

o        Eliminates KIDSCARE parents’ health care leaving 9,000 low income adults at risk and also reduces KIDSCARE eligibility potentially leaving 25,000 children at risk.

o        Makes significant changes in behavioral health eligibility by lowering eligibility to 100% of poverty leaving significant populations at risk and without services.

o        Sweeps Housing Trust Funds and makes changes to use of the fund previously dedicated to affordable housing, homeless and emergency services.

o        Makes cuts in AHCCCS provider rates on top of the 2009 cuts which further jeopardizes services in rural areas and particular populations like persons with disabilities needing home care or attendant care.

o        Makes changes to privatize prisons which budget savings are suspect but also may jeopardize prisoner safety and dignity and potentially community safety.

·        This budget must be rejected by the Governor and Arizona’s citizens.  Budget details and analysis can be found at

o       Children’s Action Alliance website: http://www.azchildren.org/MyFiles/09%20Legislature/Budget%20comparison%206-3-09.pdf

o       JLBC website summary:   http://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/HouseSenate6-3.pdf

GOVERNOR BREWER’S BUDGET PROPOSAL - PAFCO RESPONSES

·         PAFCO welcomes Governor Brewer’s participation into the state budget process.  The Governor’s proposal is a significant improvement on the House and Senate Republican leadership budget.  The Governor’s budget moves the budget discussion in the right direction for health and human services.  The Governor’s proposal represents a more responsible and comprehensive approach to solve the difficult problems of the current state revenue deficits. 

·         The Governor’s budget proposal is clear recognition that state cannot cut its way out of its fiscal problems.  The Governor’s call for a temporary 1% sales tax increase for three years is stark acknowledgement that cuts alone cannot solve the huge deficits in state government.  We urge the Governor to veto the recently passed House and Senate budget as not consistent with her budget approach and values and as a bad budget for children, families, and vulnerable adults.

·         The Governor’s budget sets priorities for protection of children.  

o        CPS investigations are restored to 100% with restoration of in-home services and foster care services family reimbursement.

o        The Governor’s budget provides for Adoption Services caseload increases.

o        There is recognition of caseload increases for TANF and increased caseload growth for persons with developmentally disabilities.  Early intervention and state only services for persons with developmentally disabilities are preserved. 

o        The Governor’s budget includes caseload increases in AHCCCS and behavioral health services and completely avoids the draconian cuts proposed in the Senate budget to programs for persons with serious mental illness.  It acknowledges the state’s obligation to attempt to comply with minimum requirements of the Arnold v Sarn court order. 

o        The Governor’s proposal preserves KidsCare and KidsCare parents. 

o        Additionally, this budget proposal does not cut hospital services reimbursement in AHCCCS. 

o        Finally, it protects lottery money for homeless programs.

·         While we are encouraged by the Governor’s budget values and proposals addressing key health and human services described above, as advocates we must continue to urge the Governor and the Legislature to deal with other cuts imposed in the 2009 budget “fix.”  That budget cut or severely curtailed programs and services to over 330,000 children, families, and vulnerable adults.   

o        Additional cuts are imposed in 2010 proposal in several programs areas including continuing the waiting list for families needing  child care to be able to work, cuts in aging home and community based services, domestic violence services leaving many women and children at risk, and other crisis and emergency services including cutting some funds for food distribution services. 

o        The Governor’s budget does not restore funding for programs like Healthy Families or community health centers or general assistance.  

o        It does not reverse the dual eligibles prescription drug copayment coverage for elderly and people with disabilities or rehabilitation services for adults with disabilities or children’s rehabilitative services.

o        Adult Protective Services will not be able to investigate 100% of referrals leaving many elderly and vulnerable adults at risk.

o        Additionally, providers including doctors, DDD providers, home and community based providers in AHCCCS, and behavioral health providers all get cuts or maintain their current 10% cuts.

·         Long term, the Governor’s budget sets the stage for tax decreases, in property taxes and corporate income taxes and sales tax, potentially putting education, universities and health and human services funding in jeopardy without a secure and adequate revenue system to address Arizona’s unfinished agenda for education, universities and health and human services.

·         The Governor’s budget also proposes a TABOR-like provision, a population combined with inflation formula as a state budget revenue limitation.  It is not Colorado’s TABOR which turned out to be a huge public policy failure and was eventually rejected by voters.  However, any type of TABOR formula ends up as bad public policy imposing draconian limitations on the state expenditures while hamstringing legislators’ ability to respond to changing circumstances like the current recession.  For example, legislators could not respond to growing AHCCCS caseload because of the recession if TABOR-like law were in effect. 

·         The Governor’s budget also proposes changes to Prop 105 Voter Protection funding sources that could undermine future funding streams for education and health services like those approved by voters in Prop 204 for health and Prop 301 of public education or Prop 300 for early childhood education.

·         There are currently three major budget proposals –

o        The Governor’s budget proposal (http://www.governor.state.az.us/Budget2010.asp,)

o        The Joint House and Senate Leadership proposal (http://www.azhouserepublicans.com/files/house-and-senate-budget-plan-6_3_9.pdf )

o        The House and Senate Democrats proposal (www.strongerarizona.com). 

o        The Democrats’ proposal restores and protects health and human services for children, families and vulnerable to the greatest extent.

PAFCO recognizes the severe difficulties in the state budget revenues.  Clearly budget adjustments are necessary.  Long term solutions must be developed.  However, there are alternatives to further cuts and to continuing the current 2009 cuts.   PAFCO helped organize the Arizona Budget Coalition which has proposed $4 billion dollars of non-tax revenue options and over $2 billion of tax revenue options to solve the state’s budget crisis.  See www.arizonabudgetcoalition.org

JUNE --- 30 DAYS OF ACTION – ARIZONA BUDGET COALITION.

PAFCO as part of the Arizona Budget Coalition (Children’s Action Alliance, Arizona Education Association, SEIU and 50 other groups) will be sponsoring daily presence days at the Capital along with teachers, parent groups, and health and human services and public services workers in June. 

·         Each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday throughout June, citizen groups will gather at 11am for a briefing, visits and calls, gallery introductions and other actions urging legislators to protect education and health and human services. ABC provides all logistical support and training as necessary. 

·         To sponsor or participate in day of action, contact Tim at this email tim@pafcoalition.org.   Many groups have signed up already.  Join the ABC citizen advocacy actions in June for children, families, and vulnerable adults, education and health and human services.  Your voices make all the difference.

·         For detailed principles and to sign on for the Arizona Budget Coalition go to: www.arizonabudgetcoalition.org

May 29, 2009

PAFCO – Arizona Budget Coalition - Group Events at the Capital

·         PAFCO/Arizona Budget Coalition Daily Presence – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 11am – DES Cafeteria plaza.

·         Thursday – Recovery Enpowerment Network – 12noon – Ice Cream Parlor

·         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet to stop 2010 budget cuts?

THE HEAT IS ON!  Everyone is finally getting into the budget game.

·         The House and Senate Democrats published a joint balanced budget alternative on Thursday. 

o        This budget alternative has many compelling positive features including fully restoring 92% of the 2009 cuts imposed on the Department of Economic Security. 

o        The Democrats’ proposal also restores cuts to DHS and AHCCCS while it protects these health and human services from further cuts in 2010 for DES, DHS, and AHCCCS. 

o        The proposal provides for a variety of funding alternatives including eliminating tax exemptions, lowering the sales tax rate with tax on services protecting food and medical purchases, full use of the federal stimulus funding and other creative funding options.

o        This proposal has many positive features with both short term solutions and long term tax reform possibilities.  Questions remain about whether it can get enough votes to pass.  Full details can be found at www.strongerarizona.com

o        However, current Senate or House majority party proposals also don’t have enough votes to pass either. So hopefully a new consensus approach will emerge that protects children, families and vulnerable adults.

·         Senate President Burns has said he would like to pass a budget next week in the Senate with or without the Governor’s participation. 

o        The Senate Appropriations Committee budget has very large cuts to health and human services, continues the 2009 cuts and includes a very large cut to behavioral health services. 

o        If the Senate budget were passed, it would impose over $332 million dollars of cuts (combining 2009 and 2010 proposed cuts) on health and human services with over a 17.5% cut in DES programs.  This is essentially a dismantling of the social safety net in Arizona. 

o        PAFCO strongly opposes that type of budget approach as extremely harmful to children, families and vulnerable adults.

·         The Governor is weighing in on many fronts finally and reportedly will publish a detailed budget proposal next Wednesday, June 3. 

o        Additionally, the Governor, along with some business groups who have endorsed her five point plan, will also mount a major aggressive public relations campaign strategy.  The campaign will directly challenge her Republican colleagues around the themes of her five point plan including pushing a tax increase against the political wills of the House and Senate leadership. 

o        The Governor realizes the budget cannot be balanced by cuts alone and that the cuts imposed on DES and other agencies in the 2009 fix has had very harmful effects on children, families and vulnerable adults.   

o        Hopefully the Governor’s budget will restore the harmful cuts of 2009 and protect health and human services as much as possible in 2010. 

o        Reportedly the Governor’s plan will include a tax on food which PAFCO has strongly opposed because of how negatively this type of regressive tax impacts poor and vulnerable families.  So stayed tuned.  

JUNE --- 30 DAYS OF ACTION – ARIZONA BUDGET COALITION.

·         PAFCO as part of the Arizona Budget Coalition (Children’s Action Alliance, Arizona Education Association, SEIU and 50 other groups) will be sponsoring daily presence days at the Capital along with teachers, parent groups, and health and human services and public services workers in June. 

·         Each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday throughout June, citizen groups will gather at 11am for a briefing, visits and calls, gallery introductions and other actions urging legislators to protect education and health and human services. ABC provides all logistical support and training as necessary. 

·         To sponsor or participate in day of action, contact Tim at this email tim@pafcoalition.org.   Many groups have signed up already.  Join the ABC citizen advocacy actions in June for children, families, and vulnerable adults, education and health and human services.  Your voices make all the difference.

·         TAKE ACTION – Urge legislators to reject the house and senate budgets and use a comprehensive approach outline in the Arizona Budget Coalition principles and menu of budget options.  Click and Send letter below.  The challenge now is to convert all the NO votes on all these budget proposals to YES votes on a consensus budget that protects education, health and human services. As citizens we need to ask our legislators what type of budget will get their YES vote that protects children, families and vulnerable adults while using all reasonable budget alternatives available. 

Reject Appropriations Committee Budgets --- Take Action.  Just click and fill in the blanks.	Take Action!
Let the Governor and Legislators know there are viable alternatives
Please email the governor and your legislators to let them know the appropriations committee budgets are not acceptable and there are alternatives that will do less harm to children, seniors, and families.

May 22, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

·         Introductions of persons impacted by 2009 cuts in the House – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

·         Tuesday - May 26 – 5:30pm – Capital Lawn – “The Heat is On Rally” - 40 Days of Advocacy, Prayer and Action for a budget that protects Children and Families.

·         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet to stop 2010 budget cuts?

Senate Appropriations Committee passes a terrible Budget Proposal for children, families and vulnerable adults --- More cuts than House version

·         This action was NOT necessary since there are many alternatives available to fund these programs. For complete list of alternatives go the Arizona Budget Coalition website for over $6 billion dollars of alternatives.  www.arizonabudgetcoalition.org

·         This past week the Senate Appropriations Committee passed a budget that includes most of the cuts included in House version but also makes larger cuts in some areas.

·         SB1188 cuts up to $76 million dollars from Department of Health Services’ behavioral health services essentially wiping out services for thousands of persons who are eligible as non Title XIX participants with serious mental illness.  The bill (SB1145) also removes basic authority for the services entitlement by changing the eligibility criteria.  This would radically change the current mental health programs permanently in the state and is an attempt to invalidate the Arnold vs Sarn lawsuit. 

·         The bills permanently removes the allocation of unclaimed property revenues to the Housing Trust Fund thereby eroding the fund completely over a short period of time seriously limiting funding for variety of homeless programs and creation of affordable housing.

·         Keep CPS from investigating 100% without the minimum staff and services necessary to protect children’s safety and provide in home services. 

·         Shrinks KidsCare by phasing out health coverage for 25,000 children by lowering eligibility to 150% of poverty

·         Eliminates health coverage for 9,000 Kidcare parents.

·         Continues the Childcare waiting list and provider cuts and turns away parents who qualify for child care assistance so they can work.

·         Cuts cash assistance for basic necessities for very poor families, including more than 9,000 grandparents raising their grandchildren.

·         Slashes funding for food banks, domestic violence shelters and homeless shelters.

·         Makes provider cuts in community health, AHCCCS and many other services.  Raises the hidden health care tax by cutting payments to hospitals for care they are expected to deliver.

·         The only good news in all of this is that both the House and Senate bills don’t have the floor votes to pass and become law.    

·         Rumors are the House and Senate Democrats with some Republicans will published another alternative budget early next week.

(Thanks for Children’s Action Alliance and Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness for their contributions to this edition.)

Reject Appropriations Committee Budgets --- Take Action.  Just click and fill in the blanks.	Take Action!
Let the Governor and Legislators know there are viable alternatives
Please email the governor and your legislators to let them know the appropriations committee budgets are not acceptable and there are alternatives that will do less harm to children, seniors, and families.

May 15, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

·         Introductions of persons impacted by 2009 cuts in the House – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

·         AARP Advocacy Day – Tuesday - May 19 – 10:30am in the Ice Cream for a special advocacy day.

·         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet to stop 2010 budget cuts?

Rumors and more rumors about thebudget moving and not moving!

·         PAFCO network leaders spent lots of time this week tracking down rumors about how fast the budget might be moving including a rumor that Senate leadership would try for a budget next week with some bi-partisan agreement.

·         It turns out that there are lots of discussions going on, but no agreement yet. Some say compromise proposals are being discussed behind closed doors in small groups but no real budget bills for 2010 yet. 

·         The Governor says she won’t sign a budget without revenue increases.  Many legislators in both parties oppose further budget cuts in education, universities, and health and human services.  Yet it seems clear that many legislators are not ready to vote a revenue increase.  (We need to remember it takes 40 members in the House and 20 in the Senate to vote a tax increase.)   So those differences among Republican legislators remain and continue the stalemate on the budget.  http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/05/11/daily75.html?ed=2009-05-15

·         The whole process remains very fluid.  Some say the plan is to get a budget out by Memorial Day, spend the next two weeks on bills and Sine Die by mid June but others report with the many fractures among legislators, many think those timelines are not realistic at all.  So stay tuned.  We must remain very vigilant and not give into advocacy fatigue.

·         Meanwhile when the impact of the House Appropriations Committee proposed budget for DES from over a week ago was discussed, those cuts proposed for DES continue the devastating consequences of 2009 cuts amounting to cumulative total reductions of over 17.5% of state general funds --- all while DES programs have experienced increased demand.  Those cuts jeopardize millions and millions of federal dollars while putting more children and vulnerable adults at risk.   The safety net cannot take any more cuts without it being essentially destroyed.

·         Some examples include:  CPS is not now investigating 100% of referrals, thousands of children have lost in-home child welfare services, there are already 2,600 children on the child care waiting list, and thousands of elderly and people with disabilities have lost prescription drug copayments.  

·         ADVOCACY ACTIONS STILL NEEDED.  WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS – CLICK AND SEND YOUR LETTER TODAY.

·         WRITE THE GOVERNOR TOO --- Urge her to use a comprehensive approach without any cuts to critical health and human services.  

May 8, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

·         Introductions of persons impacted by 2009 cuts in the House – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

·         AARP Advocacy Day – May 19.

·         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet to stop 2010 budget cuts?

Busy week at the Legislature without resolution of the budget.

·         The House Appropriations Committee passed various budget bills which cut health and human services and education but many members, even those who voted for the bills, said they all needed changes and lots of work.

·         Apparently the Governor will now engage in direct negotiations with leadership over these formal proposals.  The bills don’t seem to have the votes to pass on the floor of the House. 

·         The Joint Legislative Budget Committee Summary of the House Budget Plan can be accessed at: http://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/HouseBudgetPlanSummary5-4-09.pdf  The JLBC summary includes details of the proposed general fund spending reductions, fund transfers, federal assistance, prior year carry forwards, additional revenues and non-tax revenues as well as a list of budget changes by agency. To read the JLBC House Budget Reconciliation Bill (H2635) Summary, go to: http://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/hbrbsummary050409.pdf

·         On Tuesday advocates for domestic violence services lead by Sojourners DV Shelter gathered at the capital to promote funding for domestic violence services.

·         On Wednesday, advocates for children and child protective services were in force at the Capital to protect children from further budget abuse.

·         On Thursday, there was large press conference announcing the Arizona Budget Coalition which was formed by PAFCO, Children’s Action Alliance, the Arizona Education Association and SEIU.  Details and action items below. 

·         Looks like at least a couple of weeks or much longer before budget will be resolved, but we must continue to do advocacy based on the principles and alternatives of PAFCO and the Arizona Budget Coalition. 

·         Take Action Letter below to the Governor and your legislators!  --- Click and send your personal letters today! 

May 1, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

·         Advocates for Domestic Violence Shelter and Safety Services – Tuesday May 5 -12:30pm

·         Protect Abused Children Advocacy Day -Wednesday – May 6 - 9am to 4pm

·         Arizona Budget Coalition - Thursday May 7 -– Press Conference on Capital Lawn at 9am.

·         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet to stop 2010 budget cuts?

Budget process stumbles along.

·         This past week, the Majority Leadership announced a new budget proposal but it didn’t really improve the prospects for health and human services funding substantially.  Major cuts continue in 2010.

·         The Joint Appropriations Committee meeting about parts of it was canceled abruptly. 

·         The cuts to health and human services are still very severe and threaten critical health and human services when they are needed most. 

·         The cuts to DES jeopardize the human services safety net including TANF, jobs, domestic violence, hunger, homeless, and other critical safety net services. 

·         KidsCare parents would be eliminated.  Child care waiting lists would continue. 

·         Community health centers take big cuts and 25% of non title behavioral health services would be cut along with cuts to public education and universities. 

·         It is a budget without a positive vision for families and probably dead on arrival in the Legislature.  

·         Another hearing is scheduled for next week, but it is unclear what if anything will happen to move the budget along.

·         We must remain vigilant and active as advocates.

·         The 2009 budget cuts were devastating to over 330,000 people, children, families and vulnerable adults in Arizona. 

·         Faith communities, foundations, families, and corporations cannot make up the difference and fill the gaps of public services and the shared responsibility of citizens.

·         An estimated 400 advocates for homeless and families gathered at the Capital on Wednesday to urge legislators to fund basic safety net needs health and human services. 

·         Keep up the pressure.  Our advocacy is making a difference.

·         Action tools available --- For detailed list of budget cuts for 2009, potential impacts of 2010 cuts with lots advocacy hints, sample letters, talking points, a full advocacy presentation and other tools for action go to:  http://www.naswaz.affiniscape.com/associations/4272/files/2009BudgetUpdateApril2k9.pdf

·         FOR DETAILED ADVOCACY TALKING POINTS AND RESOURCES GO TO PAFCO WEBSITE --- WWW.PAFCOALITION.ORG

April 24, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

·         April 29 – Picnic on the Capital Lawn with Legislators with people and families who are homeless – 11am to 2pm

·         Introduction in the House with PAFCO groups Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

·         Child Welfare Day being planned for first week in May. Stay tuned for details.

·         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet to stop 2010 budget cuts?

Health and human services must not be pitted against one another.  

·         All essential services are linked together as an interlocked system to help families to overcome crisis and address their diverse and complex needs.   

·         Health and human services, the essential public safety net, are a part of the fabric of our community life like faith communities, schools, unions, businesses, and community groups that support and enable our families and communities to flourish and live together in dignity. 

·         The 2009 budget cuts were devastating to over 330,000 people, children, families and vulnerable adults in Arizona. 

·         Further cuts as proposed like for DES will completely destroy the human services infrastructure and investments made by foundations, communities, corporations and non profits and faith communities.

·         Faith communities, foundations, families, and corporations cannot make up the difference and fill the gaps of public services and the shared responsibility of citizens.

·         Action tools available --- For detailed list of budget cuts for 2009, potential impacts of 2010 cuts with lots advocacy hints, sample letters, talking points, a full advocacy presentation and other tools for action go to:  http://www.naswaz.affiniscape.com/associations/4272/files/2009BudgetUpdateApril2k9.pdf

Budget discussions are still going on behind closed doors – No open and transparent process as promised

·         The Senate Appropriations Committee has budget bills scheduled for Tuesday April 28. 

·         But most observers don’t think that the hearing will really take place.  No real budget agreement exists according to most capital insiders. 

·         However, no one seems able to predict the budget process this year as this session has taken new course of action with no bills in the Senate and no public hearings about the proposed budget options on the table.

·         But we must remain vigilant and take action. 

April 17, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

·         Be the Change Advocacy Training – April 22 and 23.

·         Introduction in the House with PAFCO groups Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

·         April 29 – Picnic on the Capital Lawn with Legislators with advocates and people and families who are homeless

·         Child Welfare Day being planned. Stay tuned for details.

·         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet to stop 2010 budget cuts?

Will there be a new House budget proposal next week?

·         As the budget discussions continue to go on behind closed doors, without any public input or open and transparent processes as promised by legislative leaders, there is rumor circulating that House leadership might try to publish a new budget early next week.  We probably shouldn’t hold our breath. 

·         The Arizona Capital Times reports that there are not enough votes in the Senate yet to pass a budget.  http://azcapitoltimes.com/story.cfm?recid=10986  As the article reports “As the Legislature began its third month of session, the finish line for the budget remains out of sight.”

·         The Arizona Guardian reports that a Republican sponsored public meeting on the budget ended up with legislators getting “hammered by advocates” with lots of negative feedback about making any further cuts to state budgets from teachers, community advocates, people with disabilities and others.    http://www.arizonaguardian.com/az/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=625&Itemid=56

·         Stay tuned this budget process might go on for a while. We must not give into advocacy fatigue.  Our voices make a real difference in the legislative process.

Budget Cuts are personal – Youtube links available

·         Children’s Action Alliance along with some very brave families is helping all of us understand how deeply personal the 2009 cuts are for real people.  They have compiled some powerful family stories about the impact at http://www.youtube.com/user/childactionalliance. Check it out.  There are five moving stories of the impact of the budget cuts consequences in the real world.  And then take action to restore funding and stop further cuts by contacting your legislators. 

·         Click and Send letter below for you action and also talking points for visits and calls.

·         Introductions in the House of Representatives.  PAFCO along with other community groups and organizations and families impacted by the 2009 cuts or potential cuts are helping several legislators do daily “points of personal privilege introductions” in the House gallery of individual and families impacted by the cuts.

·         So far introductions of families and individuals who are homeless, individuals who have lost vocational rehabilitation services and copayments for prescription drugs, people impacted by the child protective cuts, and people who will lose ALTCS services have been introduced. 

·         If you have story to tell and want to be introduced contact Tim at tim@pafcoalition.org

April 10, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

·         April 14 – Social Work Day at the Legislature

·         Be the Change Advocacy Training – April 15, 16, 22, and 23.

·         April 16 – Advocates for the Legislative Homeless Visits

·         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet to stop 2010 budget cuts?

Budget talks plod on behind closed doors, not enough votes yet to pass a budget

·         While the budget discussions go on behind closed doors, many majority party members are expressing concern about the elements in their leadership’s budget, the massive deep cuts to agencies like the Department of Economic Security, the Department of Health Services, AHCCCS, and potential revenue solutions.  Clearly leadership doesn’t have the votes to push anything to a vote.  Arizona Republic Proposed cuts may cost state $500 million

·         Meanwhile, the Governor and Republican leadership continue to spar publically about the solutions, comparing borrowing and rollovers and other options vs temporary taxes increase and other solutions.  http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/04/09/20090409budget-crisis0409-ON.html?source=nletter-news 

·         And the Governor has appointed Neil Young as new director of the Department of Economic Security.  Neil has experience with DES and human services and housing and should be an asset to the Department in this time of turmoil.  http://www.arizonaguardian.com/az/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=585&Itemid=64

·         Some observers say all the advocacy has taken its toll and caused many legislators to pause and study the consequences of the proposed deeper cuts to DES, DHS and AHCCCS.  Advocacy does make a difference.  Some say it could take weeks to come to budget solutions.  But we must continue our advocacy and our advocacy vigilance.  Rumors abound about new budget proposals will surface next week or very soon.

PASSOVER and EASTER --- stories of liberation and hope

The holidays of Passover and Easter are grounded in inspiring stories of liberation and hope.  Health and human services at their best are sources of freedom and hope and renewed life.  Health and human services, the essential public safety net, are a part of the fabric of our community life like faith communities, schools, unions, businesses, and community groups that support and enable our families and communities to flourish and live together in dignity. 

Health and human services liberate people from addictions, enable families to escape violence and poverty, overcome stigma, provide healing for loss and loneliness, empower independence, restore dignity, provide critical help at a time of crisis, and provide hope in desperate times. But the current budget proposals destroy and dismantle essential elements of the safety net constructed with public and private funds over many years. These proposals must not proceed.  Our advocacy is the source of hope to each other and we are powerful voices to stop these draconian proposed cuts.

The measure of a humane society is how it treats its most vulnerable members particularly at their time of critical need.   Government actions in partnership with community based organizations and faith communities can be a source of hope, support and resilience for families.  Health and human services must not be pitted against one another.  All are linked and provide support for the diverse and complex needs of families at a time of their crisis.  Let’s hope that our legislators get the message and preserve critical health and human services at this time of great need during this historic recession.  YOUR VOICES MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!

April 3, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

·         April 14 – Social Work Day at the Legislature

·         April 16 – Advocates for the Homeless Day and Luncheon for Legislature

·         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet to stop 2010 budget cuts?

House and Senate leadership proposed another $99 million dollars of cuts for 2010 to the DES safety net programs on top of the $153 million cut in 2009, cutting another 13% plus last week.  More cuts in AHCCCS and Department of Health Services also proposed.   But there are options – See the FACT Report from a special university economists and community task force - Fiscal Alternative Choices Team (FACT) Report at http://www.arizonaguardian.com/az/images/stories/documents/fact.pdf

The numbers of people potentially impacted by the proposed cuts are overwhelming, staggering in so many ways, and actually difficult to believe.  Will the legislature really take such actions?  We don’t want to believe they are serious. 

·         Yet, these very proposals like the additional $99 million in DES are both House and Senate leadership proposals and are being used for briefing members this week. 

·         To be sure, there are detractors in both House and the Senate republican caucuses and in the Democratic caucuses, but these proposals must be taken seriously since the majority leadership seems to have some fundamental agreement. 

·         There are “splinter groups” of both moderates and conservatives challenging these proposals.  Many legislators and others are saying these proposals will change significantly before any final votes are taken.

·         HOWEVER, we must not be complacent.  We must act and mobilize as many people as possible to make sure that these proposed cuts are not taken seriously and don’t result in further massive cuts. 

Brief Summary of Major Cuts in DES, AHCCCS and DHS

·         This proposed $99 million cuts in DES results in $500 million dollars of lost federal funding.

·         Because of inability to meet maintenance of effort requirements this next round of cuts (2010) could result in complete dismantling of the Arizona basic safety net programs.

·         Arizona would lose its TANF program losing over $266 million in federal funding, ending the state participation in the nation’s primary anti poverty cash assistance program. Arizona would be the only state to not have a cash assistance “welfare” program for 38,500 families.

·         Arizona would lose two thirds of its child care program eliminating 30,000 children in low income working families from child care.

·         Child Welfare would go from Child Protection to Child investigation and placement eliminating family services to thousands of more families (with 10,000 children) raising the foster care caseload trapping thousand more children in foster care for years.  

·         Substances abuse services to over 4,500 families would be cut further crippling CPS.  

·         Thousands of people with disabilities (6,500), developmental disabilities (850 early intervention alone and thousands of others), elderly (8,000), domestic violence victims (9,000), homeless (10,000)and many others like 3,000 families not receiving emergency assistance --- all would lose services.

·         Elimination KidsCare health coverage for children and their parents.

·         A 25% cut in behavioral health services in general mental health services for non Title XIX populations would negatively impact up to 20,000 people with serious mental illness.

·         Another large cut in community health center services impacting thousands of low income working families who could health care.

·         Finally, the legislature is actually proposing eliminating thousands of elderly and people with disabilities from the Arizona Long Term Care system as soon as stimulus money runs out by significantly lowering eligibility in twenty four months for over 11,000 elderly and people with disabilities.   What do legislators expect to do with 80 year very medically frail poor men and women with no other options?  This is on top of the cut of prescription copayments for elderly and people with disabilities. 

·         And literally thousands of public and private social and health care employees will be pushed into unemployment contributing to the “changing face of poverty.”

·         Of course all of this is bad for the economy. 

·         Details of 2010 budget proposals are available at:

Download the House Republican Budget Document Here] 
[Download the Senate Republican Budget Document Here]

TALKING POINTS.  Here’s the message – it’s short and simple for letters, emails, phone calls, and visits.   Your actions are having impact and causing many moderate legislators to pause and consider stopping many further cuts.  But only sustained concerted action will make the final difference.  We must not give into advocacy fatigue.  Stay the course.  Lots is at stake.

·         Sustain health and human services investments and preserve the tax base on which they depend.

·         Accept all the new federal stimulus money and use it wisely to restore critical programs. 

·         Put all fiscal options on the table – revenue enhancements, budget restructuring and tax reform. 

o        Many revenue enhancements short of tax increases are documented and available.

o        See also the April 2 - Fiscal Alternative Choices Team (FACT) Report at http://www.arizonaguardian.com/az/images/stories/documents/fact.pdf

·         Restore the massive 2009 cuts.

·         Do no more harm.  No further cuts. 

·         Further cuts will completely destroy human services infrastructure and investments made by foundations, communities, corporations and non profits and faith communities. Faith communities, foundations, families, and corporations cannot make up the difference and fill the gaps of public services and the shared responsibility of citizens.

·         Reject tax cuts; don’t dig the fiscal hole deeper.

·         Protect jobs and invest in the economy.

·         Have a long term vision --- for Arizona’s quality of life and tax structure.

·         Share the impact on your group, your agency, your life, including the personal and economic consequences.

·         Share short and long term consequences like the example of cutting CPS in-home family services costing $4000 dollars a year which will result in foster care alternative services costing $18,000 a year.

·         Budgets are moral and economic documents.  These budget cuts do not reflect the best of our moral values caring for families, children and vulnerable adults.

·         The cuts also don’t make much economic sense either, creating more unemployment and significantly limiting economic activity in the state.

·         Over 330,000 children and vulnerable adults have had their services cut off or curtailed in the 2009 cuts  – for details go the following resources:

o                    DES website www.azdes.gov

o                    AHCCCS http://www.azahcccs.gov/Services/ProgramChangesFY09Budget/2_18_09/Default.asp

o                    DHS http://www.azdhs.gov/pdf/ADHS%20final%20FY09%20Budget%20Adjustments.pdf  

o                    Go to PAFCO website (www.pafcoalition.org)

Talking Points – Spending is not the problem--- there are many reasonable options beyond cuts: Be prepared for responses from some legislators of standard talking points about how the state has a huge budget deficit approaching $3 billion dollars and how these cuts are necessary because of over spending.  Excessive spending did not cause this problem. As study about ASU economists indicates and we quote below:

·         “The tax reductions of the last 15 years have been the main cause of the structural deficit, which also is the result of an outdated tax code that creates large cyclical swings in revenue and that causes revenue to grow more slowly than the pace of the overall economy. Many of the changes to the tax code during the last 15 years exacerbated these problems. 

·         “Thus, the existing state general fund budget deficit as well as the underlying structural deficit cannot be blamed on excessive spending. Instead, very aggressive tax cuts are the primary cause, with other shortcomings in the revenue system — increasingly cyclical revenues and revenue growth not keeping pace with economic growth — also contributing to the deficit.”

·         “Tax law changes since 1993 cumulate to a decline in general fund revenues of about $1.63 billion on a nominal basis and $2.58 billion after adjusting for inflation.” (Hoffman-Rex ASU Report.)

MOBILIZE – MOBILIZE – MOBILIZE  ---  We must mobilize as many citizens as possible, Boards of Directors, businesses who care about Arizona, volunteers, people being served, and community supporters fired up with indignation about the potential unraveling of the very programs they have worked so hard to cultivate and grow. 

·         Empower your boards, particularly business leaders on your boards to speak to the quality of life and impact in Arizona and the need to protect the safety net and health and human services in Arizona.

·         Enable boards, staff, volunteers, and the people you serve to do advocacy and stop these cuts.  It will take everyone’s voice to speak up and act. 

March 27, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

·         Recovery Enpowerment Day (REN) at the Legislature – March 31

·         Senior Action Day – April 1 (Begins at 12:30pm at Executive Tower 2^nd floor conference Room)

·         Multiple Sclerosis Society AZ Chapter - April 2 (10am in the Ice Cream Parlor)

·         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet to stop 2010 budget cuts?

Some Legislators say 2010 newly proposed budget outlines are DOA.

The House and Senate Republican Leadership leaked a tentative budget proposal late on Thursday afternoon (March 27).  Many legislators say it is dead on arrival and its cuts are too draconian. 

·         The proposals make deep cuts in health and human services, education and universities.  

·         They continue the attack on children and vulnerable adults, families and the poor, elderly and people with disabilities.   

·         The Department of Economic Security (DES) has proposed cuts of over 13%, the largest single cut proposed in the package, further devastating the safety net for children and vulnerable adults even more beyond the destruction done in the 2009 cuts.  

·         Small groups of legislators will be meeting on these proposals in the coming week(s) and probably developing substantial alternatives.  Let your voice be heard.  Click and send letters below!  Send again with new talking points if you have sent already. 

Brief highlights of more proposed cuts

·         AHCCCS: Eliminates KidsCare Children & Parents Programs, reduces provider rates another 5% lower on top of current cuts, and implements more copayments for certain services.

·         DES:  Imposes large lump sum cuts, assumes a reduction in TANF caseload, imposes drug testing on TANF, reduces children’s support services, eliminates the Summer Youth Employment program, suspends lottery transfer to homeless programs and reduces child care funding by lowering eligibility levels.

·         Department of Health Services reduces Behavioral Health Non Title 19 services by 25% on top of current cuts and imposed copayments as well as other lump sum and public health cuts.  

·         Details of budget proposals are available at:

Download the House Republican Budget Document Here] 
[Download the Senate Republican Budget Document Here]

·         Article from Arizona Guardian - Legislators react to Senate and House Republican Budget Cuts outline http://www.arizonaguardian.com/az/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=522&Itemid=56

·         The Arizona Republic reports on the cuts here: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2009/03/27/20090327politics-budget0327.html

·         These proposed cuts are morally outrageous, bad for the economy, don’t maximize all alternatives, and will further harm children and vulnerable adults in the state.

Talking Points and Actions Items  -  Here’s the message – it’s short and simple.  (Click and Send letters below!)

·         Further cuts to health and human services are completely unacceptable. 

·         Further cuts will destroy and dismantle the safety net system that Arizona’s citizens, businesses, faith communities, corporations, foundations and non profits have built over last 25 years.  These vital systems of economic development, community service, and compassion tools must not be destroyed. 

·         The Governor and the Legislature must use all options to fix the budget.  Many revenue enhancements short of tax increases are documented and available.

·         Use federal stimulus funding wisely to the fullest extent possible.

·         Use of all options including securitizations, borrowing, rollovers, revenue enhancements, and temporary tax increases to stop cuts.

·         Faith communities, foundations, families, and corporations cannot make up the difference and fill the gaps of public services and the shared responsibility of citizens.

·         Share the impact on your group, your agency, your life, including the personal and economic consequences.

·         Share short and long term consequences like the example of cutting CPS in-home family services costing $4000 dollars a year which will result in foster care alternative services costing $18,000 a year.

·        Tax cuts must be rejected.  Let’s not dig the hole deeper and make the solving the budget problems more difficult.

·         Empower your boards, particularly business leaders on your boards to speak to the quality of life and impact in Arizona and the need to protect the safety net and health and human services in Arizona.

·         Enable boards, staff, volunteers, and the people you serve to do advocacy and stop these cuts.  It will take everyone’s voice to speak up and act. 

·         MOBILIZE – MOBILIZE – MOBILIZE  ---  All must mobilize as many citizens as possible, Boards of Directors, businesses who care about Arizona, volunteers, people being served, and community supporters fired up with indignation about the potential unraveling of the very programs they have worked so hard to cultivate and grow. 

·         Over 330,000 children and vulnerable adults have had their services cut off or curtailed in the 2009 cuts  – for details go the following resources:

o        DES website www.azdes.gov

o        AHCCCS http://www.azahcccs.gov/Services/ProgramChangesFY09Budget/2_18_09/Default.asp

o        DHS http://www.azdhs.gov/pdf/ADHS%20final%20FY09%20Budget%20Adjustments.pdf  

o        Go to PAFCO website (www.pafcoalition.org)

o        Budgets are moral and economic documents.  These budget cuts do not reflect the best of our moral values caring for families, children and vulnerable adults. 

o        They also don’t make much economic sense either, creating more unemployment and significantly limiting economic activity in the state.

March 20, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

�         Senior Action Day - April 1

�         Multiple Sclerosis Society AZ Chapter - April 2

�         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet?

FURTHER CUTS ARE CATASTROPHIC TO HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES

The Governor's budget exercise surfacing the consequences and impacts of 5% to 20% budget cuts is a useful educational and political tool to help the Legislature to overcome its denial about nature of the state budget and come to grips with further budget cuts. The outline of cuts provided by the major health and human services agencies challenges everyone to visualize and predict a future Arizona where being old, a child, a person with a disability, being low income or vulnerable or poor, a single parent struggling to work, a victim of violence, or unemployed, homeless or hungry, or needing health care or help with recovery from a serious mental illness will be a perilous dire experience.  The 2009 cuts are not acceptable or sustainable.  Any further cuts are completely unacceptable based on the dire outlines provided by the agencies. Clearly any analysis of more or deeper budget cuts to health and human services would be catastrophic for children and vulnerable adults and the health and human services system.  And our economic system will continue to deteriorate.  The economy would suffer further drastic reductions and unemployment would soar to higher and higher levels.  

VISUALIZING THE FUTURE - Visualize what our future holds if the cuts proposed by these agencies were implemented by the Legislature.  Thankfully at this point this is only an educational exercise by the Governor, but we must act or this future will be created by the Legislature.  If we don't act, don't mobilize our boards, our volunteers, the people we serve and everyone else we know or who cares about Arizona, this is the future Arizona we will leave our children.  We can stop this future from happening.  Here is what it all might look like:

�         Hospital emergency rooms experience overwhelming demand.  Waiting times are many hours for major emergencies.  New military style triage systems are set up to deal with all the demands.  People are actually dying waiting in emergency rooms because the limited staff and overwhelming demand can keep up of the new realities.

�         Schools with their large classrooms have many more homeless, hungry and unhealthy children.  There will be various public health disease outbreaks because so much of vaccinations are no longer available. 

�         Victims of domestic violence demand more and more from fire and police departments since those systems become the remaining vestiges of any human services system.  And there are more and more deaths because of the lack of alternative safety domestic violence services.  Employers lose critical workers and productivity because of no services.

�         Juvenile suicides will increase because of lack of juvenile corrections and child welfare services.  

�         Tent cities flourish everywhere in neighborhoods.  Police can't keep up complaints and finally just tell people to not call anymore about homeless families unless there is violence. 

�         More and more children and vulnerable adults die.  The media tires of reporting the deaths as they become more common place as both the CPS and Adult Protective Services systems shrink.  

�         Large orphanages for children emerge as foster care caseload grows and family foster parents leave. 

�         The state hospital experiences a building boom and tremendous expansion as institutional services flourish returning mental health care to 1950s model. 

�         Basic licensing services don't protect the public in any remaining nursing homes, child care centers or facilities for those who can still afford them. 

�         The state's health care sector and long term care sector is on verge of collapse since so much public funding had been removed.  Uncompensated care overwhelms hospitals as elderly and others who have lost their prescription copayment support and other services go into hospital care.

�         Private health Insurance rates soar as private companies experience the cost shift from lack of public health care funding.  More and more small businesses give up health care for their employees.  Major companies give up health coverage or shift more costs to employees.  

�         AND there would be even more and more demand on emergencies rooms. 

�         Remaining nursing homes serve the very rich as warehouse, 1950s style "old folks homes" emerge as the new model for elder care with many elderly dying actually sitting up in wheel chairs. 

�         Gone would be the KidsCare health insurance program for children, as well as health care for their parents. 

�         Mental health and substance abuse treatment for people who don't qualify for Medicaid would be eliminated.  Further cuts would jeopardize the state's already shaky standing in a class-action lawsuit governing care of the seriously mentally ill.  Arnold v Sarn is defunct and working its way to Federal Supreme Court but services are essentially eliminated. 

�         The graduate medical education program doesn't' exist and the state doctor shortage is so bad even the urban areas are forced to recruit like rural areas used to.

�         Rural health care is non existent since so many hospitals are closed and rural communities can't recruit doctors anymore.  

�         Freedom to work, vocational rehabilitation, and just good old personal independence for adults with disabilities is dream lost.

�         Arizona's prison industry flourishes.  Both public and private industry builds more and more prisons and prisons become a major part of state budget remaining, dwarfing education, universities and health and human services.

�         All basic needs services are eliminated.  Soup lines (who said the depression couldn't return) grow as St. Vincent De Paul and other charities capacity to serve dwindles as corporate and individual donations continue to go down.  There is an end to cash assistance benefits in Arizona becomes the only state in the country without a TANF program.  Program. (Some legislators are very proud of this and herald this as real progress.) 

�         Faith groups, foundations, families, and corporations are completely overwhelmed by demand but can't make up for loss of public services. (Some say a public moral outcry or riots are coming but it didn't emerge in time to stop all of this.  Or did it? Some churches have gone to locking their doors even during worship services to keep out people who are in dire need and looking for shelter and other basic necessities of life.)

�         Young people go to universtities in other states because Arizona's universities are too costly.  A generation of talented entrepreneurs and leaders is lost from Arizona.

�         The state economy continues to stagnate and stay in recession for many years beyond the national recovery while others places are flourishing.

�         Taxes are very low, but companies are not coming to Arizona.  Business leaders say there is too much turmoil in state's educational, universities, and health and human services to provide a quality of life for future employees.  Corporations begin to leave Arizona because of state's reputation as third world state.  (And new businesses don't like all the tent cities and depilated schools in almost every neighborhood.  It seems there is no where to hide from the poor and homeless anymore. And by the way, the Human Services campus in downtown Phoenix is essentially abandoned since the funding cuts and overwhelming demand. It has become a haven for violence.)

�         Remaining in DES with only federal funding - a limited Adult Protective Services, a very limited Child Protective Services (investigation, removal and placement only - no family services of any kind), Older Americans Act funds, Food Assistance Programs, Food Stamps, Emergency Shelter Grant (through HUD), Unemployment Insurance benefits, a greatly reduced Child Support Enforcement Program, and a limited long-term care for people with developmentally disabilities.

�         What do you think Arizona will look like is these cuts are implemented and passed by the Legislature? 

This article FROM ARIZONA GUARDIAN BY MARY REINHART describes factually what cuts are proposed - Agencies outline massive 2010 budget cuts  http://www.arizonaguardian.com/az/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=492&Itemid=56

March 13, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

�         AARP Day at the Legislature - March 17 - Starts at 9:00am

�         Women's Advocacy Day - March 19 - Starts at 9:30am

�         CAA and Florence Crittenton- Child Welfare Day  - March 26

�         Senior Action Day - April 1

�         MS Society (People with Disabilities) Day - April 2

�         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet?

Governor and Legislature fix child care cuts with stimulus money

�         We rejoice and are grateful for the action taken this week by the Governor and Legislature for stopping the child care cuts to 15,000 children and their families.  See the action letter below and send a thank you letter to the Governor and Legislators who voted YES.  (See the article at Arizona Guardian at http://www.arizonaguardian.com/az/index.php)

�         A local Superior Court judge also issued a preliminary injunction this past week too to stop cuts to early intervention serving very young children with disabilities and programs serving people with developmental disabilities.  We are grateful to the plaintiffs for their creative thinking, sound legal analysis, and the judge for their rational and compassion actions.

(http://www.arizonaguardian.com/az/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=448:judge-orders-des-services-temporarily-restored-to-children-disabled&catid=43:budget&Itemid=56)

HOWEVER, thousands of families and individuals are still experiencing horrible cuts of programs and services

Examples below and article in the Arizona Republic today (The human anguish of state's budget cuts Arizona Republic by Mary Jo Pitzl)

�         Elderly and people with disabilities, up to 93,000, have lost assistance with their copayments for prescription drugs.  All are low income and very few have any other resources, so when their prescriptions run out, expect more hospitalizations and other bad consequences.

�         1,500 people with disabilities have lost all their bridge support, called General Assistance, to their final determinations for permanent social security and financial stability putting them at risk of hospitalization and homelessness.  Again, more costs coming to the state in other ways.

�         Thousands of families, at least 3,500 families with at least 7,000 children, have lost Healthy Families services, a program of proven child abuse prevention serving families determined by hospital professionals as at risk of abuse or neglect.  Expect more children in foster care, more horrible outcomes for children, and more costs.  Hospital professionals have no sources when at risk families are identified now. Children go home at risk. 

�         A waiting list is being created for child care despite the program being saved from severe cuts.  Providers are taking 5% cuts in rates despite being seven years behind already. 

�         Families receiving (TANF) cash assistance of minimal monthly support had their support cut 20%, so now they are trying to live in even deeper poverty on $210 dollars a month.  More hunger and homelessness will result along with other indignities of severe poverty.  Expect more costs and consequences downstream in our communities, schools, and families.  38,500 families are affected.  

�         Community Health Centers are losing critical funding for health care limiting their ability to serve low income working families.  Over 5,500 individuals are losing services.

�         Over 330,000 children and vulnerable adults have had their services cut off or curtailed - for details go the following resources:

o        DES website www.azdes.gov

o        AHCCCS http://www.azahcccs.gov/Services/ProgramChangesFY09Budget/2_18_09/Default.asp

o        DHS http://www.azdhs.gov/pdf/ADHS%20final%20FY09%20Budget%20Adjustments.pdf 

o        Go to PAFCO website (www.pafcoalition.org)

o        The examples go on and on. 

o        Budgets are moral and economic documents.  These budget cuts do not reflect the best of our moral values caring for families, children and vulnerable adults. 

o        They also don't make much economic sense either, creating more unemployment and limiting economic activity in the state.

WHAT ACTIONS CAN BE TAKEN?

�         The Governor and the Legislature can act immediately to take full advantage of the federal stimulus funding to restore as many cuts as possible, as they did with child care and rural hospitals and graduate medical education.

�         The Governor and Legislature must take any further budget cuts off the table for 2010 budget round and use all options with federal stimulus funding, securitizations, rollovers, other solutions which have been suggested, and as the Governor has suggested --- do a temporary tax increase on those who can afford it.

�         Citizens and community groups must continue to tell the story of the consequences of the 2009 cuts to their legislators and the media and their friends and neighbors and local businesses. The pain and suffering are just beginning.  Unemployment and foreclosures continue to plague our families and communities.  We must not let the Legislature do further harm by additional cuts.  

�         Be present at the Legislature as much as possible.  See list of PAFCO days and groups planning actions.

�         Write a letter to the editor sharing your concerns about the budget cuts, tell the story. 

March 6, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

�         Recovery Enpowerment Network (REN) Day at the Legislature - March 10

�         AARP Day at the Legislature - March 17

�         Women's Advocacy Day - March 19

�         CAA and Florence Crittenton- Child Welfare Day  - March 26

�         Senior Action Day - April 1

�         MS Society (People with Disabilities) Day - April 2

�         Has your group planned a day of citizen advocacy yet.

GOVERNOR CHALLENGES LEGISLATORS TO REALITY

Governor Brewer challenged Legislators on Wednesday March 5 to a five point plan for surviving the economic crisis and fixing budget deficits approaching $3 billion dollars. 

The Governor's five point plan includes:

�         Changes in the raining day fund by increasing its size and how it can be used,  

�         changes to the voter protection act removing some current restrictions on use of funds,  

�         additional spending cuts of a $1 billon dollars while maximizing federal stimulus funding,

�         tax reform with some tax reductions beginning in 2012,

�         And most courageously a temporary tax increase raising an additional $1 billion dollars.   

PAFCO supports the Governor's Plan if it will protect further cuts to health and human services. 

�         The Governor's recognition that the state cannot cut its way out of the state budget deficit is a stark acknowledgment that the 2009 cuts to many health and human services have taken a destructive and devastating toll on many children, families and vulnerable adults.    

�         When all the people impacted by service cuts imposed on the Departments are added up, over 330,000 people have services cut off or extremely limited.   That's the population of Tempe and Peoria combined. This includes 93,000 elderly and people with disabilities who have lost coverage for co-payment of prescriptions in AHCCCS.  Details of other cuts are on the PAFCO website.

�         And this large number does not include the thousands of people laid off in public and private agencies by all these cuts.  The immediate pain to many citizens, children and vulnerable adults, negative economic impact, and the downstream costs will haunt the state for many years to come, if immediate actions to restore critical programs are not taken.

�         Like the Governor, we support immediate and urgent use of federal stimulus funding.  Many families like those receiving child care are receiving official notices terminating their child care assistance when an immediate solution is available in federal stimulus funding.  Urgent action is needed in many critical programs to restore cuts and avoid further cuts by maximum use of federal stimulus funding available in child welfare, TANF, domestic violence, emergency food and shelter programs, employment and health care.

�         We oppose any destruction of voter protected funding.  Voters have clearly stated they want health care, educational and other programs for their families and neighbors.  There are other options.

�         For the 2010 budget, the Governor and the Legislature must take off the table any further cuts to health and human services to avoid more destructive actions against children, families and vulnerable adults.  All proceedings regarding the 2010 budget must be completely open and transparent.  The 2010 budget must not do further harm. 

�         Finally, we affirm the Governor's challenge for tax reform.  Arizona needs structural tax reform to create a fair, equitable and adequate tax base to support a strong sustainable economy for all Arizonans. Elimination of tax exemptions, taxing services, and reform of the personal and corporate income taxes are also in order to insure all citizens and corporations pay their fair share for the common good and necessary public services.

February 27, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital
�         NASW Social Worker Day - March 2
�         AARP Day at the Legislature - March 17
�         Women's Advocacy Day - March 19
�         Child Welfare (CPS) Day  - March 26
�         Senior Action Day - April 1
�         MS Society (People with Disabilities) Day - April 2

THE FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDING INCLUDES TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNTIES FOR FIXING 2009 CUTS AND STOPPING FURTHER 2010 CUTS.

A full list of federal funding stimulus plus additional resources for complete details is provided at end of this email. 
�                     Keep up Citizen Actions - We are having impact.  The Governor acted this week to begin to resolve child care cuts to 15,000 children. (http://azcapitoltimes.com/story.cfm?recid=10551)
�                     Now it is time to urge immediate action by the Governor to restore cuts by wise and urgent use of the federal stimulus funding.  

The Health and Human Services provisions of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provide many tremendous opportunities for Arizona to restore the 2009 budget cuts imposed by the Legislature on health and human services and also clearly avoid additional cuts in the 2010 budget. 
�                     The Governor and Legislature must act urgently to creatively and wisely use these funds to fullest extent of the law.  
�                     Actions Necessary --- and we must be relentless and persistent in our advocacy. 
�                     Take action by sending an email to the Governor and the legislature NOW.  We must press the Governor, who controls according to the federal law the federal stimulus funding, and the Legislature for the immediate and wise use of the federal recovery stimulus package to help stop some of these draconian cuts in child care, child welfare, healthy families, general assistance, and health care and other programs areas and help restore these program cuts.   Unfortunately, many cuts are being implemented by the agencies, so urgent action is necessary.  Staff is being laid off, families are cut off services, children and vulnerable adults are at risk, people with disabilities will lose general assistance on Monday with no March assistance, and providers are cutting staff and forced to stop services to families.

The Health and Human Services provisions of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides many tremendous opportunities for Arizona to restore the 2009 budget cuts imposed on health and human services and also clearly avoid additional cuts in the 2010 budget.  The Governor and Legislature should act urgently to creatively and wisely use these funds to fullest extent of the law.   Details of the opportunities in the final federal stimulus bill categories are listed at end of this email.  Take action by sending an email to the Governor and the legislature.
�         Federal Stimulus Resources --- JLBC analysis is located at http://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/fedstimulus021909.pdf
o        Coalition on Human Needs website summary - www.chn.org
o        Very specific technical requirements apply in all these specific areas, but they all represent opportunities to restore and avoid state budget cuts in all these categories within the requirements of the federal law.
�         Health Care provisions includes funding for community health centers, preventions programs, transitional medical assistance, cobra insurance support of jobless individuals, support for low income Medicare elderly and people with disabilities most significantly increased federal share of Medicaid spending (FMAP).  Increased federal Medicaid is seen as a very effective spur to the economy and prevents severe cuts in services and saves jobs.
�         Child Care Block Grant - The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) receives additional funding.  This is about $25 million dollars per year and could solve current deficit problems.  The Governor has already acted to take advantage of this opportunity.
�         Head Start and Early Head Start --- additional head start funding from operations and training and technical assistance and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs to benefit from the Early Head Start program.
�         State Fiscal Stabilization Fund- $53.6 billion to states and localities to prevent cuts in education and other services.  This is about $185 million dollars in Arizona. 
�         Additional funding for (WIC) for participants and services.
�         School Lunch Program - grant assistance for equipment directed schools where majority of students are eligible for free lunch.
�         Emergency Food and Shelter (funds homeless shelter and feeding programs; also 1-month utility or rent/mortgage payments to prevent shut-offs or evictions).
�         Emergency Food Assistance Program - help with distribution of commodities.  The state's appropriation of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provides meals to low-income individuals through regional food banks, will increase by a total of $1.9 million over the next two fiscal years.
�         Homelessness Prevention Fund - distributed by formula for short-term rental assistance, housing relocation and stabilization services for families who may become homeless due to the economic crisis.
�         Violence against Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs - for STOP Violence against Women Formula Assistance Program and for transitional housing assistance grants.
�         Early Childhood education - funding for idea funding, preschool, Other Funding (U.S. Department of Education)
�         Community Development Block Grant - distributed through existing formula, to support community agencies, provide infrastructure funds for local governments, and prevent foreclosures.
�         Child Support Enforcement - additional incentive funding for operations. 
�         Child Welfare - Title IVE - Adoption/Foster Care/Relative Guardianship - funding increases for programs.  State foster care and adoption programs managed by the Department of Economic Security under state title IV-E are expected to receive an additional $6.3 million for the remainder of fiscal 2009, $8.4 million in fiscal 2010 and $4.2 million in fiscal 2011.
�         Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) for benefit enrollment and coordination activities.  The eligibility ceiling is raised too. Food Stamp increases (The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Formerly Food Stamps Program)  - benefits increase of 13.6%
�         Assisting the Elderly - nutrition assistance and home delivered meals assistance.
�         TANF Policy Change - States may use their carryover TANF funds to provide any benefits and services permitted under TANF, not just for cash assistance.  Plus states are eligible for supplemental grants for variety of services.
�         Compassion Capital Fund --- capacity building grants for non profits.
�         Weatherization - funding to weatherize low income families homes. 
�         Supplemental Security Income (SSI) includes a one time payment of $250 to Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration and Railroad retirement benefits as well as veterans receiving disability compensation and pension benefits from the VA.
�         Workforce Investment Act (job training and employment services), employment services and youth employments, supportive services.
�         Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants - for Independent Living Programs, for Independent Living Centers, and Services for Older Blind Individuals).
�         Related Tax Provisions - the Earned Income Tax Credit is expanded by providing tax relief to low-income families with three or more children and increasing marriage penalty relief.
�         The Act also provides tax credits for hiring recently discharged unemployed veterans and youth that have been out of work and out of school for the 6 months prior to hire.
�         Continues the extended unemployment benefits program (which provides up to 33 weeks of extended benefits) that is otherwise scheduled to begin to phase out at the end of March 2009 - thereby helping an additional 3.5 million jobless workers.
�         Increases unemployment benefits for 20 million jobless workers by $25 per week, and encourages states to modernize their UI systems to keep up with the changing workforce with expanded coverage.   Gives a one-time extra payment of $250 to SSI recipients.

February 20, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital
·         AARP - Aging Community Advocacy Day - February 24
·         NASW Social Worker Day - March 2
·         Legal Services Advocacy Day - March 4
·         AARP Day at the Legislature - March 17
·         Women's Advocacy Day - March 19
·         Senior Action Day - April 1

Action Necessary --- and we must be relentless and persistent in our advocacy.  Now it a time to urge immediate action by the Governor to stop these cuts.  

·         Write the Governor and Legislative Leaders and your representatives and Senator and let them know these cuts are outrageous, completely unacceptable and must be reversed.
·         These cuts, imposed by the Legislature on these agencies list below, represent when taken together, an unprecedented attack on the most vulnerable children and adults in our state. 
·         The cuts shred an already tattered social and health safety net and destroy significantly the human services infrastructure.
·         And the cuts will contribute to the economic downturn increasing unemployment and decreasing economic activity. 
·         We must press the Governor, who will control according to the federal law the federal stimulus funding, and the Legislature for the immediate and wise use of the federal recovery stimulus package to help stop some of these draconian cuts in child care, child welfare, healthy families, general assistance, health care, and other programs areas and help restore these program cuts. 
·         These cuts are outrageous and unconscionable.  They are unnecessary since there are reasonable options like the immediate use of the federal stimulus funding.  Take action!

TAKE ACTION ALERT!

URGE THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS TO ACT IMMEDIATELY AND STOP THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CUTS TO CRITICAL HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BY STATE AGENCIES.

This type of letter allows you to decide the elements of the letter and automatically sends it. 

This letter looks like an email from your address with no other identify agency or organizational markings. 

Please take action or send a letter and call yourself.

Just click and fill in the blanks - decide your own message and send automatically.

http://capwiz.com/socialworkers/az/issues/alert/?alertid=12714261

OR Call and send an e-mail to Governor Brewer on state system

Call the Governor's Office at 602-542-4331 and

Go to their web site and write your comments:  http://azgovernor.gov/Contact.asp

AARP - AREA AGENCIES ON AGING - FOUNDATION FOR SENIOR LIVING - PAFCO Day at the Legislature

Aging Advocacy Day - Tuesday February 24

Capital Museum - Ice Cream Parlor  -- begin at 9am

COME AND BE A CITIZEN ADVOCATE!

Thursday February 26 at 2pm HHR1!

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY BUDGET HEARINGS

Joint Appropriations Committee

Come and fill the room!!!! - Send a message no cuts in 2010!

Wear your yellow buttons. Let's show our solidarity for children and vulnerable adults!

Department of Health Services Public Health and Behavioral Health Reductions and Consequences
·         Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) Non- Title XIX - Reduce the level of SMI state-only funded services for 15,326 individuals. 
·         Arnold v. Sarn -Reduce the level of SMI state-only funded services for 15,326 individuals.
·         Children's Behavioral Health Services - Reduce the level of Children's Behavioral Health state-only funded services for 5,581 children.
·         Children's Rehabilitative Services - Suspend non-title XIX Children's Rehabilitative services for all 2,700 enrollees.
·         Senior Food Program - Suspend 13,708 senior food boxes (each totaling 45 pounds of food).
·         Reduce Medicare Part D Co-payments to Regional Behavioral Health Agencies.
·         Mental Health Non- Title XIX - Reduce the level of general mental health state-only funded services for 17,179 individuals.
·         Substance Abuse Non- Title XIX - Reduce the level substance abuse state-only funded services for 8,415 individuals.
·         Reduce Contract Compliance, Community Placement funds, and loan repayment program.
·         Reduce community health center services for 5,529 individuals
·         These cuts include $10 million dollars to the behavioral health system, $4 million for curtailing 120,000 vaccinations just think about the public health implications of something like that), reduce Alzheimer's fund research and a variety of other public health measures.
·         For detailed information on Department of Health Services cuts go to: http://www.azdhs.gov/pdf/ADHS%20final%20FY09%20Budget%20Adjustments.pdf
 
AHCCCS budget cuts summary highlights below because of the technical nature of these cuts. --- Details at http://www.azahcccs.gov/Services/ProgramChangesFY09Budget/2_18_09/Default.asp
·         KidsCare Premiums Increase - AHCCCS is seeking to increase KidsCare premiums for children and households/parents. Members will receive notice prior to implementation of the changes as follows:
o        Premiums for children in households with incomes between 150-175% FPL will increase: (a) for one child, from $20 to $40; (b) for more than one child, from $30 to $60.
o        Premiums for children in households with incomes between 176-200% FPL will increase: (a) for one child, from $25 to $50; (b) for more than one child, from $35 to $70.
o        Premiums for parents between 150-175% FPL will increase from 4% of household income to 5% of household income.
o        View a copy of the SCHIP Reauthorization and KidsCare Fact Sheet provided to the Senate Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform Committee on February 18, 2009.
·         5% Fee-for-Service (FFS) Rate Reduction - Effective February 1, 2009, AHCCCS implemented a 5% rate reduction for payment of services provided to members enrolled in the AHCCCS FFS program, the Medicaid School Based Claiming (MSBC) program and the Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program (CMDP). 
·         Elimination of Part D Co-Payments -- As of February 28, 2009, the Medicare Part D co-payments for AHCCCS Dual Eligible Members will be discontinued.  There is insufficient funding to continue this state-only program. Members have received notice of the termination of this benefit. The pharmacy may require payment of Medicare Part D co-payments prior to a member receiving prescriptions that are covered under the Medicare Part D benefit. Rollback of Graduate Medical Education Payments - The FY 2009 budget requires that AHCCCS rollback $7,000,000 General Fund ($20.5 million Total Fund) in GME payments to hospitals with residency.
·         Call after you sent a letter or email. After you have written your email letter or regular letter, pick up the phone and call the Governor's office and your legislators with the same message.  We may have to do this every week until the budget is done to stop these outrageous attacks and budget cuts on families, children, persons with disabilities, and seniors and their caregivers.  Immediate action is necessary.
·         Talking Points - Spending is not the problem: Be prepared for responses from some legislators of standard talking points about how the state has a huge budget deficit approaching $3 billion dollars and how these cuts are necessary.  Excessive spending did not cause this problem. This is incorrect.  As study about ASU economists indicates and we quote below:
1.       "The tax reductions of the last 15 years have been the main cause of the structural deficit, which also is the result of an outdated tax code that creates large cyclical swings in revenue and that causes revenue to grow more slowly than the pace of the overall economy. Many of the changes to the tax code during the last 15 years exacerbated these problems.
2.        "Thus, the existing state general fund budget deficit as well as the underlying structural deficit cannot be blamed on excessive spending. Instead, very aggressive tax cuts are the primary cause, with other shortcomings in the revenue system — increasingly cyclical revenues and revenue growth not keeping pace with economic growth — also contributing to the deficit."
3.       "Tax law changes since 1993 cumulate to a decline in general fund revenues of about $1.63 billion on a nominal basis and $2.58 billion after adjusting for inflation." (Hoffman-Rex ASU Report.)
·         As these cuts go forward, we must put a human face on all these numbers for this is about real people suffering real consequences of the Legislature's public policy decisions.
·         These cuts will cascade through the system and clearly have impacts like an increased foster care caseload, homelessness, child abuse, family disruption, hospitalizations, lose of jobs and the consequences will just keep coming. Please begin to document and share the impacts as they occur.
·         Be present at the legislature with PAFCO groups as much as you can. 
·         Write a letter to the editor sharing your outrage at these cuts, tell the story. 
·         We will also advocate strategies and increased revenue sources for building a fair, equitable and adequate revenue base as the state goes forward.

February 13, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

·         Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness - February 17
·         Child Care Day - February 19
·         AARP - Aging Community Advocacy Day - February 24
·         NASW Social Worker Day - March 2
·         Legal Services Advocacy Day - March 4

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY ANNOUNCES LUMP SUM CUTS IMPOSED BY THE LEGISLATURE

Listed below in summary fashion are the Department of Economic Security's 2009 budget cuts forced on the Department by Legislative imposed lump sum reductions.  There is no way to sugar coat the impacts on all vulnerable populations, children, families, vulnerable adults, our neighbors, and our communities. Many people will suffer.  Some people may die.  
·         These cuts are in addition to the staff reductions being done internally and also the furloughs imposed earlier this week in DES. 
·         There will be many ripple effects throughout the health and human services system including increasing unemployment in many private community based agencies while putting many children and vulnerable adults at severe risk. 
·         DES programs will be notifying clients shortly about benefits cutoffs. 
·         Some cuts are still pending like to foster care payments reductions, TANF cash assistance benefit payments reductions, state only DDD payments reductions, reductions in the domestic violence line item and final CPS investigation rates impacts. 
·         Programs funded 100% federally funded are not typically impacted. 
·         AHCCCS and the Department of Health Services are announcing their lump sum cuts next week. 

Actions Necessary
·         We must press the Legislature for the wise use of the federal recovery stimulus package since it will help stop some of these draconian cuts in child care, ALTCS and other programs areas and help restore these program cuts.
·         As these cuts go forward, we must put a human face on all these numbers for this is about real people suffering real consequences of the Legislature's public policy decisions.
·         These cuts will cascade through the system and clearly have impacts like an increased foster care caseload. Please begin to document and share the impacts as they occur.
·         Contact your legislators and let them know this type of public policy action is unacceptable and must not be repeated in 2010 budget.
·         Be present at the legislature with PAFCO groups as much as you can.  See details for upcoming days below. 
·         We will also advocate strategies and increased revenue sources for building a fair, equitable and adequate revenue base as the state goes forward.

LIST OF DES CUTS - Details are DES website at www.azdes.gov

Aging and Adult Services
·         DES will NO longer investigate 100 percent of Adult Protective Services reports leaving many vulnerable adults at risk.
·         Eliminating independent living supports for 450 older Arizonans leaving these elders at risk of institutionalization, hospitalization or other similar bad consequences.
·         Eliminate lifespan respite care funding which eliminates services for 130 caregivers.
·         Eliminate $75 monthly grandparent kinship care stipend for 100 grandparents.

Employment and Rehabilitation Services (includes Child Care)
·         Child Care --- Impose a waiting list for new low-income working families and ALSO suspend assistance for families with income between 110 and 165 of the poverty level, affecting 20,000 children and thousands for families who might have to leave work contributing to more unemployment or potentially children being left alone and at risk.
·         Reduce Jobs contracts helping people on public assistance trapping families on TANF
·         Impose a waiting list for vocational rehabilitation services for 1,100 disabled individuals.
·         Impose a waiting list for independent living rehabilitation services for 400 individuals.
·         Increase child care co-payments, reduce child care provider rates by five percent for 6,500 providers and reduce funding for child care quality contracts. 

Benefits -  Food Stamps and Cash Assistance
·         Eliminate General Assistance immediately with the final benefit paid in February to 1,500 disabled adults leaving these people at risk of homelessness, hospitalization or other similar bad consequences
·         Reduce by pass-through funds for Tribes that operate their own TANF programs (Navajo, San Carlos Apache, White Mountain Apache, Pascua Yaqui, Hopi)
·         Still under consideration --- Reduce cash assistance TANF grant payment for the 38,500 cases (including child-only cases) in the program.  TANF payments are now at 36% of 1992 poverty level about 350 dollars a month for family of four. This will impact some of the poorest of the poor in Arizona if implemented.
·         Staff reductions in DES will certainly impact timeliness of benefits --- many food stamp applications are already up to 50 days of processing. 
·         Child Support Enforcement - • Reduce by 10 percent federal incentive payment sharing with counties operating their own child support program (Gila, La Paz, Navajo, and Pinal Counties)

Children, Youth and Families (Child Protective Services and other Child Welfare Services)
·         DES will NOT investigate 100 percent of potential risk reports made to the Child Protective Services because of CPS staff cutbacks and furloughs potentially leaving thousands of children at risk. 
·         How much the investigation rate will fall and how many children will be left at risk has yet to be determined.
·         Reduce independent living stipends paid to 400 children aging out of the foster care system by 10 percent, from $795 to $715.
·         Reduce or eliminate in-home services for 4,000 children and reduce or eliminate support this could result in many more children going into foster care.
·         Reduce substance abuse services contracts, eliminating services for 1,400 individuals --- again leaving children in foster care or forcing children in foster care because treatment for family members is not available.
·         Reduce Healthy Families eliminating prevention services for 3,500 families and thousands of at risk children potential in harms way. 
 
Community Services
·         Reduce homeless shelter services decreasing shelter capacity by 1,100 individuals at a time when more and more families are experiencing homelessness. 
·         Reduce community action program services eliminating short term crisis services for
·         1,000 families
·         Reduce contracts with food banks and reducing capacity for food distribution.
·         Cuts to domestic violence services are still pending. 
 
Developmental Disabilities
·         Reduce provider rates by 10 percent plus reductions in other state only services yet to be determined, staff reductions will cause caseloads to rise.

VIGILANT ADVOCACY - Many groups are preparing strong legislative and grassroots activities to stop budget cuts.
·         We must all be vigilant and be prepared to ramp up our community, organizational, group and association advocacy for the 2010 budget fights. 
·         We cannot cut our way out of these dire state revenues.  These DES imposed cuts clearly demonstrate that.
·         We must find a way to enhance the revenues available for 2010 and for the long term economic health and quality of life in Arizona. 
·         How are you mobilizing your community group, agencies, boards, volunteers, and the people you serve for advocacy for the 2010 budget struggle? 

February 6, 2009

Upcoming - PAFCO Group Events at the Capital

�         Children's Action Alliance - Florence Crittenton Day - February 10

�         Stop Violence Against Women Day - February 11

�         AfterSchool Programs Coalition Day - February 11

�         Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness - February 17

�         Child Care Day - February 19

Legislature imposes lump sum cuts on many agencies - 2009 Budget cuts start to take effect

�         DES announces child care waiting list to go into effect February 18.   5000 children in thousands of families will be impacted by June.  Hopefully, the Legislature will accept federal stimulus economic recovery money when it becomes available to void this cut.

�         Child Welfare agencies are receiving contract cuts because of 2009 legislative cuts for in home services, Healthy Families, and other family services like parent aide services.  Agencies are working out the impact, including plans to lay off staff and curtail services to vulnerable families.  Significant increases in foster care are predicted.  We will provide details and stories of impact as they become available.

�         $20 million cut from the  Housing Trust Fund which will cripple affordable housing efforts, could lose federal stimulus money and curtail homeless prevention services.

�         Other community agencies in aging, domestic violence, homeless and hunger programs are also anticipating cuts as DES, DHS and other state agencies implement Legislature imposed cuts for 2009 budget.  Announcements of draconian cuts could come as early as next week as massive cuts are made over the next four months for the fiscal year.  

�         If your agency is notified of any cuts, please send us the details of nature and size of the cut, the number of people served being impacted, number of employees impacted, and potential consequences of the cuts like children in foster care, hospitalizations, or other impacts.  Send an email to tim@pafcoalition.org

�         For complete details of the 2009 budget cuts, go to http://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/FY09BudgetPlanwithFloorAmendment.pdf

�         The Governor asks the Legislature to slow down deliberations for the 2010 budget to allow agencies to implement 2009 budget cuts and calculate the impact, to take in account what the federal stimulus recovery will bring to Arizona, and to assure deliberations of 2010 options. (Arizona Guardian-February 6)

�         40 advocates from the Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition are disappointed with Joint Appropriations Hearing because it is canceled despite their large presence for citizen participation. 

MEANWHILE

�         Food stamp requests are rising dramatically - Arizona food-stamp requests rising at twice the U.S. rate   "Arizona has added 123,000 food-stamp recipients since the recession began in December 2007, giving the state one of the nation's fastest-growing caseloads. Overall, 721,318 Arizonans are getting food stamps with many more eligible. (Reported by Arizona Republic February 6)

�        Unemployment claims in Arizona continue to rise significantly. Full report next week. The state ranks third in the country in the number of jobs lost since 2007. 

�         Homelessness surges as funding falters . . . Shelters and services for the homeless are facing funding shortfalls as the economic downturn takes its toll on the state budget and corporate donations.

VIGILANT ADVOCACY - Many groups are preparing strong legislative and grassroots activities to stop budget cuts.

�         We must all be vigilant and be prepared to ramp up our community, organizational, group and association advocacy for the 2010 budget fights. 

�         Drastic cuts have been made already in 2209 budget fix, but more are coming without consideration of all alternatives and options, use of the federal stimulus recovery funds, and other options and full open transparent process with public and stakeholder input. 

�         We cannot cut our way out of these dire state revenues.  We must find a way to enhance the revenues available for 2010 and for the long term economic health and quality of life in Arizona. 

�         How are you mobilizing your community group, agencies, boards, volunteers, and the people you serve for advocacy for the 2010 budget struggle? 

February 2, 2009

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CUT IN CLOSED PROCESS WITH LITTLE TRANSPARENCY OR CONSIDERATION OF REAL OPTIONS OR CONSEQUENCES. 

MORE CITIZEN ADVOCACY AHEAD AS 2010 BUDGET PROCESS BEGINS.

Early last Saturday morning, in the dead of night the Legislature passed a 2009 budget fix and it is a disaster on many fronts.  We don't quite know the exact final impact yet, but despite some last minute efforts by some legislators and even some last minute changes by the new Governor human services took some massive, disastrous cuts.

Thankfully most AHCCCS health care and DHS mental health programs are spared in this round of cuts.  Some programs like KidsCare and Autism Programs are persevered and cuts to Aging and Community Services programs are minimized.   But a program like general assistance is eliminated in May.  There are devastating cuts coming to DES child welfare, child care, and developmental disability programs in part because the current DES program deficits are not addressed in any way.

And the 2010 budget options being presented are even much worse and more unconscionable.  Aggressive, sustained citizen advocacy will be necessary as we go forward. 

CUTS THAT WE KNOW ABOUT

�         The Department of Economic Security (DES) takes massive lump sum cuts of approximately $100 million with their $32 million deficit included with only autism, aging and lottery funding line item for homeless protected.  These cuts must be made in five months which means many basic services programs like hunger support, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, child care, child welfare, independent living for teens, respite care, child support, adoption programs, and other community services are all in great jeopardy of large cuts.  What alternatives are left for DES to make such massive cuts?  How does DES cut almost $100 million in five months?
�         General Assistance will be eliminated in May leaving 1,400 people with disabilities without basic support.  Many people will be forced into homelessness or hospitalized or other desperate situations.  
�         There is nearly $2 million cut to the vaccine program at DHS plus other lump sum cuts.
�         The lump sum cuts in DES will severely strain our Child Protective Services system - that is already overwhelmed and is dealing with growing numbers of CPS cases due to the stress of the economy. 
�         Families will also be harmed by cutting child care funds, forcing parents to leave children in dangerous situations or to quit their jobs and turn to welfare.  At a time when many working families are struggling to make ends meet, these cuts will make hard times even harder.  DES may be forced to implement a waiting list over the next few months to deal with the lump sum cuts. 
�         A $22 million dollar sweep the Housing Trust Fund that essential guts the ability to that Department of Housing to continue its efforts at affordable housing, eviction prevention, and emergency assistance during this housing crisis.

Lack of Transparency and Lack of Analysis of Consequences in 2009 process.

We acknowledge the need for speedy resolution but this budget process was not transparent as promised by the new legislative leadership.  This budget deal was crafted behind closed doors, was not bi-partisan, and had little but token public input.  The full range of available options was not considered.  The public hardly had time to see the final product as back room deals were cut.

�         Many legislators do not know the impact of their decisions - will there be layoffs, how many community based organizations will be forced to eliminate staff?  How many vulnerable people will be impacted?  How much more unemployment will all this cause?  How much will these damage local communities by taking all this money out of the economy?  How many more families will be thrown in recessionary financial instability and dislocation? 
�         How much of the safety net is torn apart leaving big holes for more families to fall to loss of housing, desperation, hunger, homelessness, financial instability and community?
�         These cuts will ripple through our communities, impact families and non profits and communities based and faith organizations, local small business like child care centers and many groups. 
�         Lump sum cut approaches shift the responsibility from the legislators and mask the impact and limit public participation and input while pretending to give maximum flexibility to agencies.  We will work with executive agencies as much as possible as they under take this shift of responsibility and impossible "Sophie's choices" decisions implementing these lump sums cuts, but also be assured the legislators will be held accountable eventually for these decisions impacting families.

2010 Budget --- What's ahead?

For the 2010 budget process, there must be an open transparent process with authentic public discussion of the all the options and full disclosure of all the consequences and impacts of potential budget decisions. 

�         We believe this budget will make it worse for 2010, more cuts, more job losses, more people turning to a shrinking torn, tattered safety net.  Are more referrals to Adult Protective Services and Child Protective's Services and more children in foster care looming, without sufficient resources to respond?  Will these cuts to program like child care result in more families losing jobs? Will cuts in senior services mean more neglect and more hospitalizations?  The future doesn't appear very pretty at all. 
�         And it is all so unnecessary since there are reasonable options in the federal stimulus package,  deferred payments, rollovers and other alternatives to protect those most vulnerable.
�         We must prepare for 2010 - we urge the legislature and Governor to work with community groups to explore the options and impacts....and provide a real open transparent public process with real authentic public participation before the next round of budget decisions.
�         The Legislature has it wrong.  Overspending is not the core problem.  Tax cuts made over the last ten years without thinking through the consequences for a growing diverse state with many changing needs are the fundamental problem.  Arizona has to decide what its wants for its families' financial stability and independence, education and quality of life.  This approach won't work.  We cannot continue to cutting our way out the revenue situation and recession.  New creative alternatives that have a vision for the future of Arizona and its families are necessary. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS HEARINGS SET FOR THURSDAY AFTERNOONS in February

�        Thursday February 5 - AHCCCS

�        Thursday February 5 - Department of Health Services (DHS)

�        Thursday February 19 - Department of Economic Security (DES) 

January 30, 2009

DON'T BALANCE THE BUDGET ON THE BACKS OF THE MOST VULERNABLE [Press Release]

The Protecting Arizona's Family Coalition boards and allied groups are very concerned about the proposed cuts to health and human services programs which remain in the revised House and Senate budget proposals.

State revenues are in a very dire situation and cuts and adjustments are necessary.   Nevertheless, we urge that the programs serving children and vulnerable adults be protected to the fullest extent possible. 

"We are very concerned about the proposed lump sum cuts in the Departments of Economic Security and Health Services and in other state agencies serving seniors, domestic violence survivors, families experiencing homelessness, children in the child welfare system, and people with disabilities.  These programs are programs of last resort.  These families and individuals don't have anywhere else to turn." said Timothy Schmaltz, PAFCO Coordinator. 

"How does cutting 1,400 people with serious disabilities off General Assistance make economic or humanitarian sense?  How does cutting shelter beds for women seeking safety make sense during an economic recession?  How does cutting meals or home care for seniors make sense when these same seniors may end up in hospitals or nursing homes?  There must be alternatives to these drastic cuts" said Susan Wilkins, PAFCO Education Board Chair and CEO of the Assoication for Supportive Child Care.

"The budget cuts are of the doomsday variety: Either directly, or as a result of "lump sum" reductions, terminally and chronically ill people may lose their health benefits, more battered women may be turned away from shelters, working poor women could lose their child care benefits and therefore their ability to work, and people with disabilities might lose the supports that allow them to live independently." said Jodi Liggett, PAFCO Board member and Policy Director at the Arizona Foundation for Women.

"Balancing the budget is a matter of choices and values.  Now is the time when parents, grandparents, businesses and students are looking to legislators to help families survive this economic downturn - and to come out stronger, not make it harder to survive." said Dana Naimark, a PAFCO board member and CEO of Children's Action Alliance. 

The safety net that protects the poor, the ill and the vulnerable in Arizona has been constructed strand by strand over decades.  Real progress has been made on life-and-death issues.  For example, for the first time ever, Arizona sheltered more battered women than it turned away last year.  We must not undo years of progress and destroy infrastructure.  Many groups have suggested reasonable options. 

"We must exercise all these options before we take this budget deficit out on the most vulnerable." suggested Bruce Liggett, PAFCO Chair and CEO of the Arizona Child Care Association. Efforts should be made to obtain and maximize federal economic recovery stimulus funding.  Arizona should use this funding wisely to help resolve the state deficit and help preserve critical health and human services for children and vulnerable adults. 

All options, including rollovers and deferring some provider payments, strengthening revenues and closing tax exemption loopholes, should be considered before we make these draconian cuts.  Tax exemptions and tax credits should only remain if they are making our state stronger

Guy Mikkelsen, another PAFCO board member and CEO of the Foundation for Senior Living a non profit provider and developer of affordable housing for elderly and people with disabilities questioned the sweep of $22 million dollars of Housing Trust Funds.  "This doesn't make economic sense.  These funds are an economic stimulus; create jobs while creating affordable housing for those most in need. It makes even less sense since the federal stimulus package provides opportunities in this arena."

The need for health and human services now reaches into the middle class who are losing jobs, housing and suffering economic dislocation because of the depth and breath of the recession. 

Strong visionary leadership is needed at this time to protect Arizona's families and strengthen our communities to not balance the budget on the backs of the children, families, and vulnerable adults.  

January 23, 2009

NEXT WEEK IS "BUDGET WEEK FOR 2009 BUDGET" --- PARTIAL LIST OF CHAIRMEN'S PROPOSED CUTS INCLUDED BELOW.  Time to take action!

From the latest information, most non budget hearings for next week will be canceled and next week will be a "budget week" for the FY09 budget fix. Legislators will convene on Monday, and then caucus immediately, then start into a process where they meet in small groups, return to caucus, and repeat until they get a budget done, hopefully by Thursday … at least that is the plan.   We will send out a schedule when it becomes available or we have more details.  Or check the Legislative website at http://www.azleg.gov/  Stay tuned - things are changing rapidly, but please contact your legislators and ask them to protect children and vulnerable adults and health and human services. 

Government actions should provide a safety net for families.  As the economy worsens, the public and private safety net is needed most. We accept the dire nature of the state revenues. Responsible adjustments and cuts in parts of government are needed as part of the solutions.  But not to critical health and human services at this time when they are needed most.   We don't want to make the economy worse or create more pain for families suffering from the recession.   See the partial of proposed cuts options below.  We urge an open transparent process for all budget deliberations and decisions.   There are many options including cuts which are very strategic and don't dismantle critical infrastructure or harm families. 

Send a short Letter to your Legislators urging them to protect critical health and human services.

December 12, 2008

As the economy worsens, the public and private safety net is needed most. 

Demands for services are rising.  Health and human services demands are countercyclical to the economy as the rising numbers in AHCCCS, foods stamps, unemployment claims and other social programs demonstrate.  Some food banks are experiencing over a 50% increase in requests.     

In this economic recession, the need for health and human services reaches into the middle class who are losing jobs, housing and suffering economic dislocation. 

We advocate that current program eligibility levels be maintained for critical health and human services. 

Health and human services are walls of prevention against costly institutionalization, hospitalizations and other more costly services.  

Cutting services doesn't make economic or humanitarian sense.   In fact, Nobel Prize economist Joseph Stiglitz, reports that "cutting spending on programs that serve low-income people tends to reduce consumption and thus state economic activity by the full amount of the spending reduction."  

These services are the safety net and the lifeboat serving basic human needs during this severe economic recession.

Investments in health and human services are good for the economy and the quality of life in Arizona. 

November 26, 2008

A Note From Tim Schmaltz

This Thanksgiving season, I am having lots of mixed feelings about celebrating all the blessings in my life.  It will be hard to escape the harsh realities around us even as we celebrate this Thanksgiving with our family and friends,  Neighbors are out of work like millions of others in our state and country.  We all know someone suffering this recession, many in our own families. Demands for health and human services continue to rise.  And more pain and suffering is on the horizon for many more people because of the sinking economy.  It is certainly a time to remember we are in this together.  And only by recognizing our shared bonds and humanity can we all find a way out of this economic turmoil together. 

Maybe the simple message of this Thanksgiving is its original meaning and intent - Be grateful for our blessings and remember to be generous with our blessings with others.  Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for all you do to make it a better world for everyone.  I am grateful for all of you who work so hard for others so all can live in dignity and peace. 

Timothy Schmaltz PAFCO Coordinator 

November 21, 2008

Preparing for Next Legislative Session

BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS

     It is all perfectly legal.  You have rights as citizens and nonprofits to inform and educate your legislators about your issues.  Check out PAFCO website for lots of good information and resources about rights to advocacy.  www.pafcoalition.org

�         Do your homework; find out how legislators have voted or ask your new legislators how they think and feel about health and human services issues in the past.  Consult resources like Children's Action Alliance, PAFCO, or your association or sector alliance within your specific human services area to get key information about your new or old legislators' attitude and voting record about your issues. 

�         Understand if they are champion of your issues or a supportive friend who has voted with and for your issues, or if they fall into other groups like:

�         Champions - They will lead with you for your cause.

�         Allies: They are always with you, but may not lead.

�         Mild opponents: They will oppose you most of the time. 

�         Hard Core Opponents: They will lead/champion the opposition. 

�         Persuables - Fence Sitters - Key targets who can be moved sometimes with education, information, and effective citizen advocacy pressure with accountability.

�         Expect disagreements and controversy.  Be patient, direct without being argumentative.  Be persistent with stories, data, and new information.  Always hold them accountable to protect health and human services especially during this economic crisis.

�         Understand why they will listen to you: 

o        You are a constituent from their district, who VOTES!

o        You have good reliable information.

o        You are a trusted source based on professional background, community status or personal knowledge.

o        You are representative of a group they want support from.

o        Your comments are representative of broad based cross-section of politically active people.

o        Recognize these and the large groups of people you serve as source of real power.

�         Send a letter of congratulations when election is certified soon or plan a visit over the now or early in the session.  Make the visits and meetings brief and concise. Listen carefully to who they are, what they believe, what are their ambitions.  First get to know them and have them get to know you.  Never go alone.  

�         Don't overload the meeting with staff, volunteers, board members or people you serve.  Carefully select key staff, board members, people you serve and others to participate in the meeting, but plan each person's active or passive roles.  Prepare the visit ahead of time.  Listen carefully to them always during the visit.   

�         Be prepared with lots of information, but reduce your concerns to one page fact sheet at maximum, beyond your specific agency or association concerns.  Include impact statements about how cuts will impact real people, economic and moral arguments too.  Have a specific "ask" --- to protect critical health and human services of your sector or cause.  Hold them accountable with a specific question of accountability.

�         Join with other health and human services agencies and associations within your area for a joint meeting.  Plan the meeting agenda carefully, the goal is always  -- to build a relationship, listen carefully, structure the meeting with short presentations of information, many different voices, and structured questions based on their record and homework information.  Don't go alone.  Always have at least three people in the initial visits.  Use the PAFCO Unfinished Agenda are resource for needs at www.pafcoalition.org.

�         Be prepared for the "there isn't enough money" comments.  Do homework about available revenues.  There is always money for what we really value and care about.  This is the time to protect health and human services during the economic downturn.  Many agencies are experiencing 40-60% increases in requests for basic services for necessities of life, safety, and shelter and stresses for economic dislocation.  Many "middle class" people are coming for services.  

�         Be clear about what you want them to do in the future.  Keep open the dialogue and build the relationship. Become a "go to" person, organization or agency or group for reliable information.  Ask them how they will they protect and support health and human services funding.  Don't let them "bait and switch" to the deficit.  There are lots of options including new revenues.   

October 10, 2008

EARLY VOTING BEGAN OCTOBER 2 FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION

Sign up at your County Recorder's Office by clicking here. 

Visit http://www.azsos.gov/election/county.htm.

Early Ballots can be requested until October 24.

This is a very important election --- clearly the future of out country and state is at stake.  Get out the Vote!

TOP 10 EASY WAYS TO GET OUT THE VOTE IN YOUR GROUP OR ORGANIZATON.

There are dozens of ways that you can quickly and easily help Get Out the Vote without spending a dime. Here are some easy to do suggestions:

1.  Talk to people about the importance of voting.  Talk to them about protecting health and human services funding with their vote.

2.  Send emails to your staff, members, consumers or clients, board, and volunteers encouraging them to vote.  Encourage early voting!

3.  Put a November 4 poster in your main lobby and other common areas before and on Election Day with information about polling places. 

4.  Do an "office knock" (or text message) on the day before Election Day — make the rounds in your agency offices and remind your colleagues to VOTE ON November 4. Encourage people at staff meetings to vote.   Encourage early voting!

5.  New or infrequent voters need multiple reminders to vote in order for the reminders to be effective. Do another "office knock" on Election Day make the rounds one more time and remind your colleagues to VOTE TODAY. 

6.  Car pool to the polls with co-workers, board member, volunteers, or consumers who live in your precinct on your way to work, on a morning break, on your lunch hour, or after work. Make it fun and social!

7.  Include a "November 4 VOTE" reminder in any group meetings or programs that your agency holds leading up to Election Day (including staff and board meetings!) Encourage early voting!

8.  Go into your own community and neighborhood. Speak at church and school meetings, your hairdresser/barbershop, etc.  By all means, encourage the people you serve to vote.  Provide them with information about health and human services issues that they might be concerned about.  Encourage early voting!

9.  Put a "November 4 VOTE" message in your email signature so that every email you send reminds people to vote. Encourage early voting!

10.  Take time off on Election Day or even part of it!   Many groups are running nonpartisan get-out-the-vote programs on Election Day and they need volunteers to knock on doors, give rides to the polls, and make phone calls to eligible voters, text out the vote! Sending a text message to a friend is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get out the vote. In fact, people who receive a text reminder on Election Day are 4 percentage points more likely to vote than people who don't. That's a big impact for a very small investment. This is great suggestion for young voters. (Suggested by Credo Community) 

Send us your ideas about how you are getting out the vote!

October 3, 2008

The Protecting Arizona's Family Coalition Boards of Directors (PAFCO Education Fund and PAFCO Advocacy) strongly recommend NO votes on the following 2008 Ballot propositions because of the potential negative impact on health and human services and children and vulnerable adults. 

VOTE NO - Proposition 101 - Freedom of Choice in Healthcare Act

Prop 101 is vague and poorly written.  The language is so broad that its meaning "as well as its impact"� cannot be determined by voters and ultimately would have to be interpreted by the courts. 

�     Proposition 101 would trigger a change to the state constitution, making it nearly impossible to undo.

�     Proposition 101 could unravel AHCCCS' cost-efficient managed care model, resulting in a $2 billion annual loss for the state. Given Arizona's current budget shortfall, lawmakers would be hard pressed to find $2 billion without increasing taxes. 

�     It is a threat to Medicare Managed Care Plans and healthcare consumers. If passed, Proposition 101 would restrict choice in health insurance by amending the Arizona constitution to insure that a comprehensive health insurance program could not become law.

�     Over 1 million Arizonans do not have health insurance including 250,000 children. Accelerated health care costs have priced a significant portion of the public out of the market. 

�     Arizona Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics states in opposition to Proposition 101:  "This measure would prevent us from adopting many of the proposed health care reform measures currently under consideration at both the local and national level to address the increasing numbers of the uninsured.  We need to have every potential option for health care reform available for Arizona's children and their families."  

�     Groups that oppose Prop 101 include: AARP Arizona, Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association, Arizona Adovcacy Network, Planned Parenthood of Arizona, Arizona Republican Assembly, Arizona NOW, Physicians for a National Health Program, Arizona Coalition for a State and Local National Health Plan, and Healthy Arizona.

VOTE NO - Proposition 105 - Majority Rules - Let the People Decide Act. 

This proposition is wrong and unfair.  It counts all non voters essentially as a NO vote making most propositions require an 83% impossible majority to pass.  It would count those still on voter rolls that have died or moved out of state.  It is a tyranny of the non voter. 

�     The initiative process has been part of the Arizona Constitution since 1912. Proposition 105 requires that in order for an initiative to pass, a majority of the registered voters must vote for it. 

�     Presently, a majority of voters voting in the election is the requirement for passage. It is a fact that even in presidential election years; the percentage of registered voters casting ballots is around 60%.

�     If this amendment were in effect at an earlier time, Arizona voters would not have been able to repeal the state sales tax on food or expand the income eligibility for AHCCCS to 100% of the federal poverty level or fund First Things First (Early Childhood Health Screening and Development) with tobacco tax dollars. All three of these initiatives are measures that help low income Arizonans. 

�     The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, representing Arizona's hospitals, "strongly opposes the so-called 'Majority Rules Initiative,' Proposition 105, because in reality it is the 'Ultra-Minority Rules' initiative. It throws away the votes of responsible citizens who take the time to vote and gives power to people who do not vote. "

�     Groups opposing this Prop 105 include: Arizona School Boards Association, Professional Firefighters of Arizona, Children's Action Alliance, Arizona Education Association, League of Women Voters of Arizona, Clean Elections Institute, WestMarc, Sierra Club, Arizona Advocacy Network, and The Human Society of the United States, AARP Arizona, Amercian Cancer Society and others.

VOTE NO - Proposition 200 - Payday Lending Reform Act!

Proposition 200 ("Payday Lending Reform Act") is not reform.

�     It does NOT offer meaningful changes but insures that this industry will continue essentially "as is" by eliminating the 2010 sunset date.

�     If Proposition 200 passes, the Legislature will not be able to change or modify payday lending in Arizona in the future enshrining up to 391% interest rates.. 

�     Payday lending has been eliminated in 15 states and Washington, D.C. and by federal law from active duty military personnel because it was so onerous.

�     The proposition is being heavily supported by the payday loan industry. 

�     It is an attempt to avoid typical consumer protections and usury laws capping loans at 36% APR.  It is predatory lending many times preying on poor and vulnerable families.

�     Proposition 200 is also OPPOSED by Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, AARP Arizona, Children's Action Alliance, Arizona Ecumenical Council, Tucson Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Valley of the Sun United Way, St. Vincent De Paul of Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona Advocacy Network, Arizona Ecumenical Council, Arizona Community Action Association, and many other groups.

June 20, 2008

ACTION ALERT - MAKE SURE YOUR VOICE IS HEARD! 

-Are the budget talks stalled or proceeding?  Depends upon whom you believe but June 30 deadline is fast approaching and everyone seems concerned - finally. 

-Some optimists believe something will break next week sometime maybe by Wednesday - June 25. 

-LUMP SUM Cuts are emerging as the pressure filled solution to making cuts and the last minute way to get the budget done.  But lump sum cuts have many pros and cons.  They can profoundly and negatively impact programs if applied acrossed the board, cutting critical programs needed during this recession.

-Difficult choices have to be made. Years of serious neglect of adequate revenues have created this situation.  But the legislature must not take it out on children and families.

-PAFCO is very concerned if there is no budget what will happened to many children and vulnerable adults receiving health care, child care, home care, in-home services, substance abuse treatment and host of critical health and human services. Please contact your legislators and urge them to be responsible and protect children and vulnerable adults. 

-Don't let them give into dooms day scenarios that balance the budget on backs of children and vulnerable adults.  They created this situation; they must find responsible ways to resolve it with taking it out on our society most vulnerable citizens. 

-Cuts to health and human services serving low income people, many whom are new to poverty and need makes no sense humanely or economically.  Nobel Prize economist Joseph Stiglitz, reports that "cutting spending on programs that serve low-income people tends to reduce consumption - and thus state economic activity - by the full amount of the spending reduction."

-HAVE YOU CONTACTED YOUR LEGISLATORS YET? Don't let others make the decision for you.  YOU CAN DO AGAIN - STOP CUTS!

May 23, 2008

REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP NEEDS TO "GET IT MOVING." 

�         The Budget Clock is ticking. Only 38 days (from May 23) till next fiscal year.

�         Republican Leadership continues to do the budget without bi partisan input and behind closed doors. 

�         They continue to discuss deep cuts. Reports (Arizona Capital Times May 23) say talks are breaking down within the caucus over cuts or bonding for school construction.  Some members stopped going to budget talks because they became disgusted with the process and content.

�         Families are concerned what will happen on July 1.  Will they have the supports they need to keep going to work, to feed their families, to get health care and child care, to keep their homes and shelter, to be safe from abuse, to remain independent, and to weather the storm of this recession?

�         Health and human services agencies (and schools and local governments along with families too) are trying to figure out their budgets for next year.  What should they plan for as demand for critical health and human services continue to increase?  Demand continues to grow with many newly poor or desperate coming for help.

�         Will there be budget cuts or flat budgets (meaning also real cuts) because of rapidly rising costs for gasoline, fuel, food, health care and utilities. 

�         Should the Governor and legislature be discussing how to increase resources and agencies' capacity rather than cutting services at this time in this critical time of need for some many families?

�         Leadership appears to be using the Chairman's cuts original list as a template.  Go to February 15 PAFCO update at http://www.pafcoalition.org/-weekly-email-update-archive/  to get full list of potential cuts and impacts.  Clearly, these types of cuts must be rejected and would be devastating as demand for critical services increases.   

�         GET IT MOVING - GET IT OUT FROM BEHIND CLOSED DOORS!!!  It is the people's business, not some elite group's private enterprise.  Many families are suffering. Families deserve to know what their elected representatives are doing about their futures. How can the leadership do the people's business behind closed doors when some many families are suffering? Why are they doing the people's business in private? What are they afraid of? What deals are they cutting that can't stand the light of public scrutiny?

Our advocacy message to the Governor and Legislators:

�         Do NOT cut critical safety net health and human services for children and vulnerable adults when demand is growing.

�         Protect current services to current people being served and protect current capacity during this critical time of an economic downturn.

�         Don't lower eligibility limits in programs.  Working families need critical supports during an economic recession.

�         There are reasonable options for 2009 including bonding, rollovers, additional sweeps, the rainy day fund, and other revenue generators.

�         Demand continues to increase. Some community agencies are experiencing increases of 40% to 60% in requests for essential services for the necessities of life.

�         Flat budgets will already be a cut as costs for transportation, health care, and food, and other services increase.

�         Finally, open the budget discussion with more transparency and meaningful public input.

There are budget solutions for FY2009   There are options and solutions for the 2009 budget that do not require deep cuts to critical health and human services for children and vulnerable adults.  The chart below outlines those options.   These options will be highly debated. Some are very controversial. Nevertheless, they demonstrate there are solutions which can protect health and human services during an economic downturn when demand is growing.  And there are other options still not on the table like tax reform which should be considered. 

May 16, 2008

What's going on with the budget behind closed doors?
 

�         The primary question is:  Why is the state's most important public business, the state budget, being done behind closed doors?  Is this anyway to run a democracy? 

�         Republican leadership is still trying to craft a budget without Democrats' input behind closed doors, but it seems it is tough going within their ranks, so nothing is public yet.  Apparently, ultraconservatives are being really difficult about wanting cuts and curtailing government, while moderates are trying to protect vital services like education and health and human services.  Opposition to bonding by leadership is still strong. (See chart below for reasonable options including bonding for solving the 2009 budget deficit.)

�         But the Republican leadership still thinks they want cuts according to Speaker Weiers at Valley Citizens League luncheon earlier this week in Phoenix.  What cuts is still private.   Weiers did say raising taxes is not an option.  He also said, they aren't close to presenting a budget publicly yet, so stay tuned.

�         They appear to be using the Chairman's cuts original list as a template.  Go to February 15 PAFCO update at http://www.pafcoalition.org/-weekly-email-update-archive/  to get full list of potential cuts and impacts.  Clearly, these types of cuts must be rejected. 

�         Most observers say a Republican-only budget is a non starter and will bring a veto from the Governor.

�         There are reasonable options --- see the updated chart of options below.

Our advocacy message to the Governor and Legislators:

�         Do NOT cut critical safety net health and human services for children and vulnerable adults when demand is growing.

�         Protect current services to current people being served and protect current capacity during this critical time of an economic downturn.

�         Don't lower eligibility limits in programs.  Working families need critical supports during an economic recession.

�         There are reasonable options for 2009 including bonding, rollovers, additional sweeps, the rainy day fund, and other revenue generators.

�         Demand continues to increase. Some community agencies are experiencing increases of 40% to 60% in requests for essential services for the necessities of life.

�         Flat budgets will already be a cut as costs for transportation, health care, and food, and other services increase.

�         Finally, open the budget discussion with more transparency and meaningful public input.

May 9, 2008

2009 Budget Process Heating Up - A Republican Leadership proposal may be made public early next week (May 12 or 13 or later) with proposed cuts to health and human services.  

The Legislature adjourned early on Wednesday until next week (May 12) so Republican leadership could meet with selected members to "do a budget."  But so far they are proceeding without any Democrats or the Governor in the room or participating in the negotiations or development. 

�         Insiders are saying it is an excruciatingly painful process with lots of differences in the room among the Republicans themselves. 

�         Reportedly, Republicans Leadership is preparing a budget to make it public on Monday or Tuesday for Democrats' reactions.  This budget will most likely propose cuts to health and human services and other programs, but there is little specific information available now.

�         JLBC staff is nosing around determining impact of cuts so they are once again discussing cuts to health and human services like child care. 

�         They appear to be using the Chairman's cuts original list as a template.  Go to February 15 PAFCO update at http://www.pafcoalition.org/-weekly-email-update-archive/  to get full list of potential cuts and impacts.  These types of cuts must be rejected. 

�         Some say House bi partisan negotiations will resume next week.  In any case, things are heating up seriously and moving in various directions, but predications are still for a long session.

�         Some rumors they are trying to do a budget without any Democrats to send to the Governor, but that is headed toward veto by most reports.    Most observers say a Republican-only budget is a non starter and will bring a veto from the Governor.

�         WE MUST BE PREPARED TO ACT TO STOP BUDGET CUTS! We need to immediately ramp up our advocacy efforts next week if these budget talks actually do take some public actions.

�         There are reasonable options --- see the updated chart of options below.

Our advocacy message to the Governor and Legislators:

�         Do NOT cut critical safety net health and human services for children and vulnerable adults when demand is growing.

�         Protect current services to current people being served and protect current capacity during this critical time of an economic downturn.

�         Don't lower eligibility limits in programs.  Working families need critical supports during an economic recession.

�         There are reasonable options for 2009 including bonding, rollovers, additional sweeps, the rainy day fund, and other revenue generators. (See updated chart below.)

�         Demand continues to increase. Some community agencies are experiencing increases of 40% to 60% in requests for essential services for the necessities of life.

�         Flat budgets will already be a cut as costs for transportation, health care, and food, and other services increase.

�         Finally, open the budget discussion with more transparency and meaningful public input.

May 2, 2008

PAFCO Update #17 - BI-PARTISAN TALKS HAVE YET TO RESUME ---- DON'T GIVE INTO ADVOCAY FATIGUE - There are solutions for 2009.

BI PARTISAN TALKS HAVE YET TO RESUME

There are no bi partisan budget negotiations going on.  Republican Leadership in both chambers are meeting with some of their very conservative and moderate members in an attempt to "get their act together" prior to resuming bipartisan budget negotiations.  Republican leadership want to go into the 2009 negotiations with a united front and stronger position for 2009 budget.  Republican leadership are talking about a 20% acrossed the board cut as starting point, but most observers say that is non starter and not going anywhere.  But it does show that some leadership is still very intent on drastically cutting the budget including health and human services.  We must remain vigilant and continue to do advocacy.

DON'T GIVE INTO ADVOCAY FATIGUE

�         We must not give into advocacy fatigue - that is the strategy of the opposition, drag out the process until we all tire of it and give in to their demands --- that is deep cuts to health and human services. 

�         We must continue to advocate for the needs of poor and vulnerable families, those without a voice and support those legislators who are voices and votes for those without a voice.  

�         So make your calls, send your letters, urge your agency colleagues, staff, volunteers and people you serve to act.  And get friends to take action. 

�         Yes, it seems endless, more calls, more letters, but it does make a difference in the end. 

�         Taken together all these small acts of advocacy add up to a very large impact.  Your calls and letters make a real difference. Our voices together make a large chorus singing loudly for the needs of poor and vulnerable families and adults. 

�         Together we have prevailed in the past, we have stopped cuts and made improvements in health and human services, but we must be persistent.   

�         We know you are very busy but take the time for advocacy. Your voice is critical to the process and children and families and vulnerable adults in need.

�         We must be relentless in our advocacy to protect critical health and human services at this time.  There is a large unfinished agenda already; we don't need it to get larger.

Our advocacy message to the Governor and Legislators remains:

�         Do NOT cut critical safety net health and human services for children and vulnerable adults when demand is growing.

�         Protect current services to current people being served and protect current capacity during this critical time of an economic downturn.

�         Don't lower eligibility limits in programs.  Working families need critical supports during an economic recession.

�         There are reasonable options for 2009 including bonding, rollovers, additional sweeps, the rainy day fund, and other revenue generators.

�         Demand continues to increase. Some community agencies are experiencing increases of 40% to 60% in requests for essential services for the necessities of life.

�         Flat budgets will already be a cut as costs for transportation, health care, and food, and other services increase.

�         Finally, open the budget discussion with more transparency and meaningful public input.

April 22, 2008

THE SKY IS NOT FALLING --- There are budget solutions for FY2009

Despite what you may have heard, there are options and solutions for the 2009 budget that do not require deep cuts to critical health and human services for children and vulnerable adults.  The chart at the bottom of this email outlines those options. 

These options will be hotly debated. Some are very controversial. Nevertheless, they demonstrate there are solutions which can protect health and human services during an economic downturn when demand is growing.  And there are other options which still are not on the table like tax reform which should be considered. 

Our message to the Governor and Legislators remains:

�         Do NOT cut critical safety net health and human services for children and vulnerable adults when demand is growing.

�         Protect current services to current people being served and protect current capacity during this critical time of an economic downturn.

�         Don't lower eligibility limits in programs.  Working families need critical supports during an economic recession.

�         There are reasonable options for 2009 including bonding, rollovers, additional sweeps, the rainy day fund, and other revenue generators.  (See the chart below.)

�         Demand continues to increase. Some community agencies are experiencing increases of 40% to 60% in requests for essential services for the necessities of life.

�         Flat budgets will already be a cut as costs for transportation, health care, and food and other services increase.

�         Finally, open the budget discussion with more transparency and meaningful public input.

A BAD IDEA - ACTION ALERT - URGE SENATORS TO STOP HCR 2044.

TAKE ACTION - CLICK AND SEND A LETTER TODAY

http://capwiz.com/socialworkers/az/issues/alert/?alertid=11237021

�         Please urge your state senators to vote against HCR 2044.  Click on the link, fill in the blanks and a letter will be sent directly to your Senator urging them to vote against HCR 2044. You can personalize the letter too.  

�         The Senate Appropriations Committee reconsidered HCR 2044 and passed it with some amendments which don't really fix this bad idea.  This is a House Concurrent Resolution, meaning if it passes both houses, it can be placed on the ballot as a referendum without review by the governor.  

�         In 1998 voters approved Proposition 105 which prohibits lawmakers from changing, or repealing a voter approved act or expenditure without a three-fourths approval.

�         This bill would ENABLE THE LEGISLATURE TO gut many health and human services initiatives including health care for the poor, education support, and early childhood development like most recent use of tobacco tax funding to increase healthcare coverage for low income children and adults and for First Things First (Early Childhood Health Screening and Development).

�         HCR2044 (voter-protection; temporary budgetary suspension) would upon voter approval, permit the Legislature to appropriate or divert funds enacted by initiative or referendum in years when the state budget is projected to have a deficit. The last time the Legislature tried to end run popular initiatives, the voters passed the Voter Protection Act (Prop 105) that keeps the Legislature from cutting those programs as they would like to do.

�         Make sure it does not pass on the Senate Floor.  Write, call, and e-mail your state senators and let them know how you feel.

April 18, 2008

CURRENT SERVICES AND CURRENT CAPACITY PROTECTED. Although this 2008 budget has lots of cuts and sweeps (see summary below), it appears that current health and human services to current people and current capacity for health and human services are protected.  We have been assured (first hand and face to face down at the legislature) by various sources, agencies, legislative leaders, legislators, and Governor's office that no current services are cut and no capacity is lost - for now.   We are doing a detailed analysis to determine real and final impacts but it looks like rational thinking and goodness prevailed this round.  We am told Governor will sign this budget.  Your advocacy efforts paid off by supporting reasonable options and no cuts to vital health and human services.  

REAL PAIN MAY BE COMING IN 2009 BUDGET. Everyone is saying the real pain is coming in 2009 budget, so we have our work cut out for us. Flat budgets in 2009 will still be cuts, because of significantly rising costs for transportation, health care, and now food and other costs.  Real inflation is probably around 10% so real cuts will be coming just if programs have flat budgets for 2009.   So we have to fight even harder for 2009 to sustain current services and current capacity even at a current levels and rates.

REMAIN VIGILANT TO STOP CUTS. Many in the opposition are still hell bent on cutting health and human services from an anti-government ideological stance.  And that is without using all the tools available like tax reform and creating a fair, equitable, progressive and adequate tax structure.  The opposition to health and human services wants to lower eligibility limits in most programs to permanently cut programs.  We must continue to oppose such cuts.  So we must remain vigilant and be prepared to do even more advocacy in the next month to stop cuts the 2009 budget. 

Thanks for all your advocacy to make this a decent budget with limited negative impact on poor and vulnerable people.  Please thank those legislative leaders and the members who supported them and the Governor who worked so hard to protect health and human services for children and vulnerable adults.

April 4, 2008

Behind Closed Doors --- Proposed Cuts being discussed - Take Action letter below!

Legislative Leaders and the Governor are in negotiation behind closed doors and it seems progress is being made.  By at whose expense and at what price?  Examples of cuts being discussed include:

�         A 33% cut in Community Health Centers ($4.5 million) which could impact up to 38,000 low income persons from getting needed health care.  (This could just clog emergency rooms even more.)

�         Cuts in child welfare funding from last year to backfill lost federal funding impacting thousands of foster children and families.  (This could result in the loss of in-home services alternative ironically driving up costs.)

�         Creating a child care waiting list or lowering child care eligibility impacting thousands of low income families trying to work during a recession.  (This type of cut just pushes families onto public assistance which does not seem like good public policy.)

�         KidCare Parents - eliminating 13,000 parents further clogging emergency rooms or resulting in loss of regular primary care or forcing health care in emergencies only.

�         KidsCare eligibility lowered to 175% from poverty rather current 200% of poverty leaving families no alternatives again and more clogging emergency rooms or even more dire consequences of not getting regular health care. (Over 19,000 children could be eliminated from the program.)

�         Eliminating immunizations for vulnerable adults putting individuals and communities at risk.

�         Eliminating General Assistance for 1,300 persons with serious disabilities. (This is a basic support and safety net program and may just be cruel while only saving a few million dollars.)

�         Eliminating dual eligibles' prescription coverage forcing low income elders and people with disabilities to go without critical medicines. (This could result in more hospitalizations and most costs.) 

�         Large Housing Trust Sweeps which will impact homelessness, lose needed construction jobs and state revenues.  (Makes no sense economically or humanely.) 

�         Loss of homeless lottery funding --- when issues for families experiencing homelessness are getting worse. 

�         While none of these cuts have been finally proposed or adopted:  NONE OF THIS MAKES ANY SENSE.  Eliminating these types of services is not smart, cost effective or humane.  It is penny wise and pound foolish. We must not balance the budget on backs of the children and vulnerable adults eliminating basic safety programs when they are needed most.  

OPEN UP THE PROCESS. We must open up the process so the public can comment and propose options to such cruel and inhumane cuts.  There are clear alternatives to cutting health and human services. 

DEMAND IS GROWING. The demands for basic need health and human services will only grow during a recession.  The Food Stamp caseload is already growing, requests for AHCCCS health care are up, food banks are experiencing significantly increasing demand, and CPS referrals are up. Even Adult Protective Services referrals are growing.  WE CANNOT BE CUTTING SERVICE CAPACITY AT A TIME WHEN SERVICES DEMAND IS GROWING.

PAFCO URGES NO CUTS TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. PAFCO continues to urge that no cuts be made to current direct services involving real people getting essential services today. 

March 28, 2008

BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS PLOD ON - PROGRESS CONTINUES BUT IS SLOW. 

While budget negotiations plod along a few details have emerged.  Caseload numbers, (K-12 student projections, AHCCCS caseload projections, university projections, corrections inmate counts, etc) have been agreed upon.  Targets for funds sweeps have been generally finalized.  Areas for cuts are being discussed with some Republican leaders pressing for up to a billion dollars in cuts.  Some legislative leaders want new eligibility limits in some programs as permanent ways to curtail programs.  KidsCare Parents program is being discussed for cuts, but NOTHING is final yet.  Some observers say 2008 is almost done, but many issues remain around 2009 budget. 

Budget bills may appear within the next couple of weeks - or sooner.   Reports are the Governor wants the budget done in two weeks. Apparently agencies will be given lump sum targets for cuts, but not required to make across the board cuts.  Legislators are working over the weekend to move the process along. 

One Republican Senator this week, on a local TV news program (Horizon) even suggested that Arizona may have to raise taxes to address its critical infrastructure needs.  Now that would be an innovative idea to prepare for investments in quality of life for all Arizonans in the future.   We must be prepared to do advocacy --- and protect the health and human services sector and the needs of vulnerable people.  So stay tuned.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Arizona Capital Times and Arizona Republic published op-ed columns on the PAFCO Unfinished Agenda last week March 21.  

Too often, health and human services state budget allocations have been the scraps and afterthoughts of the budget rather than a serious, comprehensive process of setting an agenda of what's needed to seriously address Arizona's social concerns.  In order to provoke discussion and stimulate solutions, the Protecting Arizona's Family Coalition - PAFCO Education Fund recently published the Unfinished Agenda for Health and Human Services for Arizona.  This unique and unprecedented publication represents a new effort by the PAFCO boards to stimulate action on Arizona's most pressing social and health concerns.  Much like we must plan our transportation infrastructure, we must plan solutions for the future for our most vulnerable families.  Downloadable copies are available at the PAFCO website.    http://www.pafcoalition.org/pdf/45104_PAFC_complete.pdf

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DEMAND GROWING - Advocates must remain vigilant!

The demands for basic need health and human services will only grow during a recession.  The Food Stamp caseload is already growing, requests for AHCCCS health care are up, food banks are experiencing significantly increasing demand, and CPS referrals are up. Even Adult Protective Services referrals are growing.  WE CANNOT BE CUTTING SERVICE CAPACITY AT A TIME WHEN SERVICES DEMAND IS GROWING. We urge no cuts to our capacity for health and human services. We must protect current services as much as possible, since we are so far behind in so many areas already, while demand is rising and community donations are falling.

PAFCO URGES NO CUTS TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

PAFCO continues to urge that no cuts be made to current direct services involving real people getting essential services today.  While we recognize that there may need to be cuts in many areas to weather this economic crisis, we believe no cuts should be made to current services for vulnerable populations. 

BASIC QUESTIONS

Policymakers should ask themselves three basic questions when contemplating particular budget cuts:

·Is it humane?  Will the cut result in loss of current, essential services a human being depends on for survival- food, shelter, medical care, etc.? For example, cuts to food assistance programs mean families go hungry.

·Is it safe? Will the cut jeopardize the health or safety of the person receiving services or others?  Certain cuts can force people into dangerous or unhealthy situations.  Cuts to domestic violence shelter puts women seeking safety in grave physical danger.  CPS cuts leave children vulnerable to abuse.

·Is it smart?  Some cuts are penny-wise and pound-foolish.  Will the cut merely result in moving the recipient from one program to another with even higher costs?  For example, cutting a single mother's child care assistance will quickly force her out of work and back on welfare, food stamps, and AHCCCS.  Other cuts may forfeit federal match money that would flow directly into the Arizona economy.

WHAT DISTINQUISHES THE NEEDS OF THE POOR AND VULNERABLE

For children and vulnerable populations, critical health and human services are their safety net, their lifeboat, their fundamental need. This is what distinguishes the needs of the poor and vulnerable from all other groups.  The public services safety net is their last resort, their final resource, whereas others may have other means to weather this type of economic or social crisis.  The poor and vulnerable have no other way to provide for their basic necessities of life, health, safety and care. 

Cuts in health and human services can be inhumane and counter-productive.   These basic services typically prevent more costly interventions by government.  The public safety net helps prevent homelessness and hunger and helps people escape harm and violence.  Cuts to the safety net stop elderly from living independently, stop low income mothers from working, force children out of child care, and force victims of domestic violence onto the streets rather than shelters. 

MANY REVENUE OPTIONS MUST BE CONSIDERED - DON'T CUT TAXES.

PAFCO supports bonding and the use of all possible sources for revenues, (use of rainy day, rollovers, sweeps, etc) from the beginning of the session.  All options, including raising taxes on those who might afford it during an economic downturn, need to be considered before we cut basic programs for vulnerable children, families and adults. The state might even have to consider putting off investments in other important areas in order to protect the basic necessities of life for vulnerable children and adults.

REDUCING SERVICES FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES IS HARD ON A STATE'S ECONOMY

·         Cutting programs for low-income families may be the single most damaging step that states can take during a recession," said Kevin Carey for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. "Such programs are intended to act as automatic economic stabilizers, because they naturally expand to meet increased levels of need when families lose jobs and income. '

·         Reducing services for low-income people is especially hard on a state's economy, because these people tend to spend most or all of every dollar they receive. According to a report by economists Peter Orszag and 2001 Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz, cutting spending on programs that serve low-income people tends to reduce consumption — and thus state economic activity — by the full amount of the spending reduction.  (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report - January 17, 2002)

March 22, 2008

BUDGET NEGOTITATIONS PROGRESS - BASIC QUESTIONS -- What distinguishes the needs of the poor and vulnerable in a budget crisis? Have you taken action yet to protect critical health and human services?

BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS ARE PROGRESSING, PARTICULARLY ON 2008. 

House and Senate leadership along with the Governor seem to be coming to agreement on the budget.  Budget bills may appear within the next couple of weeks - or sooner.   Apparently agencies will be given lump sum targets for cuts,  but not required to make across the board cuts.  But stay tuned.  Are you and your colleagues prepared to act quickly to stop cuts when bills are published and details distributed? 

Take Action now too by sending a letter urging no cuts to health and human services.  SEE ACTION LETTER BELOW!

PAFCO URGES NO CUTS TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

PAFCO continues to urge that no cuts be made to current direct services involving real people getting essential services today.  While we recognize that there may need to be cuts in many areas to weather this economic crisis, we believe no cuts should be made to current services for vulnerable populations. 

BASIC QUESTIONS

Policymakers should ask themselves three basic questions when contemplating particular budget cuts:

Is it humane?  Will the cut result in loss of current, essential services a human being depends on for survival- food, shelter, medical care, etc.? For example, cuts to food assistance programs mean families go hungry.

Is it safe? Will the cut jeopardize the health or safety of the person receiving services or others?  Certain cuts can force people into dangerous or unhealthy situations.  Cuts to domestic violence shelter puts women seeking safety in grave physical danger.  CPS cuts leave children vulnerable to abuse.

Is it smart?  Some cuts are penny-wise and pound-foolish.  Will the cut merely result in moving the recipient from one program to another with even higher costs?  For example, cutting a single mother's child care assistance will quickly force her out of work and back on welfare, food stamps, and AHCCCS.  Other cuts may forfeit federal match money that would flow directly into the Arizona economy.

WHAT DISTINQUISHES THE NEEDS OF THE POOR AND VULNERABLE

With the recession deepening, things will only get worse.   For children and vulnerable populations, these services are their safety net, their lifeboat, their fundamental need. This is what distinguishes the needs of the poor and vulnerable from all other groups.  The public services safety net is their last resort, their final resource, whereas others may have other means to weather this type of economic or social crisis.  The poor and vulnerable have no other way to provide for their basic necessities of life, health, safety and care. 

Cuts in health and human services can be inhumane and counter-productive.   These basic services typically prevent more costly interventions by government.  The public safety net helps prevent homelessness and hunger and helps people escape harm and violence.  Cuts to the safety net stop elderly from living independently, stop low income mothers from working, force children out of child care, and force victims of domestic violence onto the streets rather than shelters. 

DEMAND GROWING

The demands for basic needs will only grow during a recession.  The Food Stamp caseload is growing, requests for AHCCCS health care are up, food banks are experiencing increasing demand, and CPS referrals are up. Even Adult Protective Services referrals are growing.   We urge no cuts to our capacity for health and human services. We must protect current services as much as possible, since we are so far behind in so many areas already, while demand is rising and community donations are falling.  We also urge freezes on staff or and administrative cuts not be permanent. We must not play into the 'starve the beast" mentality. 

MANY REVENUE OPTIONS MUST BE CONSIDERED - DON'T CUT TAXES.

PAFCO supports bonding and the use of all possible sources for revenues, (use of rainy day, rollovers, sweeps, etc).  All options, including raising taxes on those who might afford it during an economic downturn, need to be considered before we cut basic programs for vulnerable children, families and adults. The state might even have to consider putting off investments in other important areas in order to protect the basic necessities of life for vulnerable children and adults.

REDUCING SERVICES FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES IS HARD ON A STATE'S ECONOMY

Cutting programs for low-income families may be the single most damaging step that states can take during a recession," said Kevin Carey for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. "Such programs are intended to act as automatic economic stabilizers, because they naturally expand to meet increased levels of need when families lose jobs and income. '

Reducing services for low-income people is especially hard on a state's economy, because these people tend to spend most or all of every dollar they receive. According to a report by economists Peter Orszag and 2001 Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz, cutting spending on programs that serve low-income people tends to reduce consumption and thus state economic activity by the full amount of the spending reduction.  (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report - January 17, 2002)

March 15, 2008

Revenue Projections Get Worse -  What differentiates health and human services - Take Action to Protect critical services!

The Governor and Legislative leadership are negotiating the budget.  By all reports, revenue projections are getting worse and "programmatic cuts" are being contemplated across all state agencies-at least for 2009.  The Governor continues her commitment to protect critical services for children and vulnerable adults, but …... if things get bad enough, cuts may be necessary.   You can make the difference, take action.  Send your letter today - see action below!

What differentiates health and human services?    As a basic principle, PAFCO continues to urge that no cuts be made to current direct services involving real people getting real services today.  For these citizens receiving current direct services, this is their safety net, their lifeboat, their fundamental need.  This is what differentiates the needs of the poor and vulnerable from all other groups.  This is their last resort, their final resource, whereas others may have other means to weather this type of economic or social crisis.  For many, they have no other way to provide for their basic necessities of life, continue their independence, escape violence, and live in dignity. The demands for basic needs will only grow during a worsening recession. 

Additionally we also urge no cuts in current basic capacity for health and human services, we must protect current services capacity as much as possible, since we are so far behind in so many areas already and demand is rising and community donations are already falling.  And with the recession worsening, things cut only get worse; demands will only continue to rise.  We also urge no freezes on staff or administrative cuts be made permanent.

PAFCO supports bonding and the use of all possibilities for revenues, (use of rainy day, rollovers, sweeps, etc) from the beginning of the session.  Many options, including eliminating tax cuts for those who can manage that financially during an economic downturn, need to be considered before we cut basic programs for vulnerable children, families and adults. In any case we must protect health and human services during an economic downturn as it gets worse and more people will turn to the publicly supported safety net for support and protection. 

NEGATIVE IMPACT OF REDUCING INCOME AND SERVICES FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES

Cutting programs for low-income families may be the single most damaging step that states can take during a recession," said Kevin Carey for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. "Such programs are intended to act as automatic economic stabilizers, because they naturally expand to meet increased levels of need when families lose jobs and income. '

Reducing services for low-income people is especially hard on a state's economy, because these people tend to spend most or all of every dollar they receive. According to a report by economists Peter Orszag and 2001 Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz, cutting spending on programs that serve low-income people tends to reduce consumption and thus state economic activity by the full amount of the spending reduction.  (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report - January 17, 2002)

hese types of cuts also don't make economic sense since these basic services typically prevent more costly institutionalization or hospitalizations.  They prevent homelessness and hunger and help people escape harm and violence.   

March 7, 2008

Republican Leadership force budget "freeze" and cuts through Legislature, but will they produce a thaw in negotiations. Take Action, oppose these cuts!

HOUSE AND SENATE PASS BUDGET "FREEZE" BILLS but will they lead to a thaw in negotiations.

The House and Senate Republicans passed budget "freeze" bills (SB1300 and HB2857) this week.  However most observers are wondering how these actions will help produce real solutions in the budget negotiations.  And others wonder why the "freeze" bills needed to include cuts to eliminate the General Assistance program, other lump sum cuts to DES critical programs, lump sum cuts to public health programs, big sweeps from the Housing Trust Fund and other critical program for children and vulnerable adults.  Many see this as a back door approach by the Republican Leadership at the Legislature to making the cuts it really wants, rather than the publicly stated goal of freezing funds in various accounts while negotiations proceed.  It would not seem necessary to include cuts at this point if freezing funds was the real purpose at this time. 

PAFCO OPPOSES THESE CUTS - We urge Governor's veto!

The Protecting Arizona's Family Coalition strongly opposes this budget approach that is the freezes and cuts as embodied in SB1300 and HB2857. We urge the Governor to veto these budget bills and urge a return to the bi-partisan negotiations for more reasonable approaches.

These cuts in these bills threaten the very basic safety net and "lifeboat" services for many children and vulnerable adults.  For example, these bills eliminate the General Assistance program curtailing services to 1300 people with serious disabilities.  These bills will cause harm to children and families by their across the board cuts in an agency like the Department of Economic Security.  Based on data from DES, cuts would be forced in child care, domestic violence, home and community services for elderly, vocational rehabilitation, food programs --- all basic necessities of life programs --- the lifeboat or final safety net for many Arizona's families.  These bills will force curtailment of public health services in the Department of Health Services, and loss of critical affordable housing and homeless prevention services from the Housing Trust Fund.  

REDUCING SERVICES FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES IS HARD ON A STATE'S ECONOMY

·         Cutting programs for low-income families may be the single most damaging step that states can take during a recession," said Kevin Carey for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. "Such programs are intended to act as automatic economic stabilizers, because they naturally expand to meet increased levels of need when families lose jobs and income. '

·         Reducing services for low-income people is especially hard on a state's economy, because these people tend to spend most or all of every dollar they receive. According to a report by economists Peter Orszag and 2001 Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz, cutting spending on programs that serve low-income people tends to reduce consumption — and thus state economic activity — by the full amount of the spending reduction.  (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report - January 17, 2002)

·         These types of cuts also don't make economic sense since these basic services typically prevent more costly institutionalization or hospitalizations.  They prevent homelessness and hunger and help people escape harm and violence.   

Comments (120) 03-25-2008

February 29, 2008

Budget Negotiations Lumber On - Arizona Chamber endorses School Construction Bonding - Take Action to urge your legislators to protect critical health and human services for children and vulnerable adults!

BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS LUMBER ON --- BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

A bi partisan group of House and Senate leadership continues the state budget negotiations but no budget bills are finalized for any committee or floor general membership votes yet.  So stay tuned.   This past week the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry came out in support of school financing bonding.  PAFCO also supports the use of bonding for school finance construction.  Nevertheless, we must be persistent in our message of protecting the safety net of health and human services, avoiding cuts, and using reasonable options and solutions.

PLEASE CONSIDER THESE TALKING POINTS AND TAKE ACTION.

�         Do NO HARM! THE SAFETY NET BECOMES EVEN MORE CRITICAL IN ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS.  And will be more critical the longer and deeper any downturn continues as it impacts more poor and vulnerable families and adults. No cuts to critical health and human services.

�         And we know from Nobel Prize economists' analysis - reducing services for low income people is one of the worst things you can do to a state's economy.  (CBPP News Release January 17, 2002)

�         Reasonable options include: Bonding for school construction financing, use of the raining day, rollover of school operations funding, careful fund sweeps, and careful cuts avoiding slash and burn across the board cuts which can devastate programs and put children and families at risk. 

�         Reasonable people will not balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable, children and vulnerable adults.   All other options will be exercised first.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UNFINISHED AGENDA FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES distributed to legislators, executive agencies, foundations, and community agencies. 

In this time of fiscal crisis, conversations about the future of the state must include the health and human services sector as well as the topics of immigration, transportation, water, economic development, tax policy and education.  Too often, health and human services state budget allocations have been the scraps and afterthoughts of the budget rather than a serious, comprehensive process of setting an agenda of what's needed to seriously address Arizona's social concerns. 

In order to provoke discussion and stimulate solutions, the Protecting Arizona's Family Coalition - PAFCO Education Fund recently published the Unfinished Agenda for Health and Human Services for Arizona.  This unique and unprecedented publication represents a new effort by the PAFCO boards to stimulate action on Arizona's most pressing social and health concerns. 

Much like we must plan our transportation infrastructure, we must plan solutions for the future for our most vulnerable families.  Downloadable copies are available at the PAFCO website.    http://www.pafcoalition.org/pdf/45104_PAFC_complete.pdf

Comments (0) 03-25-2008

February 22, 2008

The Senate and House Appropriations Committees passed new appropriations bills this past week.  By most accounts, these bills will not proceed through the process for any votes unless radically modified by leadership.  But we must take action to assure we stop these bills.

PLEASE CONSIDER THESE TALKING POINTS AND TAKE ACTION.

�         While these bills finally acknowledge the need for and protect some health and human services, these bills are still clearly a wrong approach and unacceptable. 

�         For example: these bills propose to essentially eliminate General Assistance, reduce Healthy Families child abuse prevention by $1.5 million,  reduce the Independent Living Stipend for foster children by $1 million - bad for our foster youth,   eliminate the Summer Youth Employment & Training for $1.2 million.  The Housing Trust Fund is swept for $12 million.  Neither the Department of Economic Security supplemental appropriation nor the Department of Health Services supplemental for 2008 are not addressed leaving many services for vulnerable families, foster children and vulnerable adults at serious risk.

�         Moreover, the worse part of these bills is their mixed bag of lump sum cuts forced on the health and human services agencies combined with designated protected programs without using any bonding for schools.  This will force deeper and more draconian cuts to remaining programs like Adult Protective Services, domestic violence shelter and services, aging home and community based independent living programs, vocational rehabilitation match programs, child care programs, and public health programs. 

�         THE SAFETY NET BECOMES EVEN MORE CRITICAL IN ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS.  And will be more critical the longer and deeper any downturn continues as it impacts more poor and vulnerable families and adults.

�         And we know from Nobel Prize economists' analysis, that reducing services for low income services people is one of the worst things you can do to a state's economy.  (CBPP News Release January 17, 2002)

�         Reasonable options include: Bonding for school construction financing, use of the raining day, rollover of school operations funding, careful fund sweeps, and careful cuts avoiding slash and burn across the board cuts which can devastate programs and put children and families at risk. 

�         Reasonable people will not balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable, children and vulnerable adults.   All other options will be exercised first.

Comments (0) 03-25-2008

February 15, 2008