Yesterday, Governor Jerry Brown released the May Revision to his 2012-2013 California state budget proposal. Previous estimates had projected a $9.2 billion shortfall for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, but revised estimates bring the total deficit to $15.7 billion. The increased budget shortfall has resulted in a May Revision that preserves many of the spending cuts originally proposed in January of 2012 and includes additional changes and cuts to that unduly impact low-income Californians, Californians with disabilities, working families, and students

In order to balance the budget, Governor Brown is proposing a series of spending cuts in addition to strategies aimed at increasing revenues. The proposed spending cuts include more than $2 billion to health and human services programs, including CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and IHHS. Revenue strategies include a Governor endorsed initiative which seeks to temporarily increase income and sales taxes. If passed, it is estimated this tax measure could result in an additional $5.6 billion for the general fund. Rejection of the tax measure would trigger additional cuts.

The California state legislator must pass their own budget proposal by June 15. The state budget year begins on July 1, 2012.

For more details and an in-depth breakdown of the Governor’s May Revision proposal, please take a look at the materials developed by our community partners.

California Budget Project link
Western Center on Law and Poverty link

CFPA prepared an analysis of the proposed cut in state reimbursement for non-prop 98 child care facilities that participate in the Child and Adult Food Care Program that has remained in the Governors May Revision proposal.

Click here for more information on these cuts. link

Our colleagues at Share Our Strength have created a simple form that allows you to submit a Letter to the Editor at your local newspapers on the importance of preserving and protecting SNAP in the 2012 Farm Bill. A sample letter is provided and we encourage you to personalize your letter to best fit your community.

Learn more here. link