Disability rights activists are protesting proposed cuts to home support services

SACRAMENTO – Disability rights advocates rallied outside the state Capitol on Monday to protest Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed cuts to assisted living facilities.

“These are not just budget numbers; these are real people,” said Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio). “These are children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities whose independence and quality of life depend on these services every day.”

The In-Home Supporting Services program helps disabled and elderly people stay in their own homes by providing home care. It pays helpers to help with tasks such as bathing, cooking or going to the doctor. Newsom’s revised budget proposal, introduced last month, would cut $367.7 million from the program and shift some of that financial burden to counties.

Gonzalez explained that this issue is close to home for his family. She said her son has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder, and relies on help to live with dignity.

“Families should not wonder every time it’s budget time if they will be deprived of the support they rely on,” said Gonzalez. “These services should not be treated as budget negotiations.”

Assemblywoman Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) asked why a prosperous state like California would need to make such cuts.

“It is difficult to spend a day without hearing the governor or the administration bragging that we are the fourth largest economy in the world but we cannot fully support it. [this program for] who are most at risk?” Davies said.

Earlier, the governor explained that difficult decisions must be taken as the state may face economic instability. The budget proposal relies on tax breaks, largely due to the stock market success of artificial intelligence companies, to offset California’s deficit — but some analysts have warned that the AI ​​bubble could burst.

HD Palmer, deputy director of external affairs at the California Department of Finance, said Monday that some of the proposed cuts are the result of federal government changes in funding and eligibility for health and human resources programs.

The so-called “Big, Good Bill” signed by President Trump last year took federal funding away from safety programs, he said.

Palmer stressed that federal budget negotiations are ongoing.

“Until we reach an agreement, speculation about the resolution of any specific differences between the Governor’s budget plan or the Legislature’s separate budget proposals would be premature,” he said in an email.

Monday’s event drew support from two groups. Brody Fernandez, communications director for Asmeralda Z. Soria (D-Fresno), said the legislator has been fighting for funding for In-Home Supportive Services since she was elected.

Fernandez said her daughter has special needs and her mother had to quit her job to become a full-time caregiver. “This is for us and the many wonderful people behind me,” he said.

Graham Knaus, chief executive officer of the California State Assn. of Counties, told The Times that he appreciates the efforts to raise awareness of the burden these changes will place on the counties.

“We applaud the Senate and the Legislature for recognizing the concerns of the districts and rejecting this proposal,” he said. “We ask them to hold the line in the final negotiations.”

Elizabette Guecamburu, a writer with a rare neuromuscular disorder, spoke at Monday’s meeting and urged the governor to remember the teachings of their alma mater Santa Clara University, a Jesuit-led private school.

“I want him to remember where he came from,” he said, adding that students should be taught to value compassion and community. “Don’t forget your Jesuit roots.”