2003 Budget Priorities | 2004 Budget Priorities
2005 Budget Priorities | 2006 Budget Priorities
2007 Budget Priorities
2003 Legislative Priorities | 2004 Legislative Priorities
2005 Legislative Priorities | 2006 Legislative Priorities
2007 Legislative Priorities

2003 Budget Priorities

The State faced an unprecedented $34.6 billion shortfall for the 2003-04 fiscal year, many critical programs serving the Asian Pacific Islander community were proposed for reduction or elimination. The Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus adopted budget priorities for the first time in its history to advocate for and preserve these key programs.

California Civil Liberties Public Education Program

The California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a highly successful program administered by the California State Library, was designed as a result of a lack of education in public schools regarding the Japanese American internment experience. Governor Davis proposed to eliminate the $1 million program for the 2003-04 fiscal year.

√ Outcome: The California Civil Liberties Public Education Program was preserved at $500,000.

Acupuncture, Medi-Cal Optional Benefit

Governor Davis proposed to eliminate the Acupuncture Optional Medi-Cal benefit for savings of $2.9 million in 2003-04. The Governor proposed to eliminate eighteen separate optional benefits for 2003-04 savings of $361.8 million. While the federal government considers acupuncture an optional part of the Medi-Care system, in many parts of the API community acupuncture is a mainstay of medical care. Many members of our community turn to acupuncture as their first line of medical treatment, eliminating this optional benefit would deprive them of care.

√ Outcome: The acupuncture proposal was rejected by the Legislature.

Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI):

Governor Davis proposed to eliminate CAPI at the State level, and realign funding and program control for CAPI from the State to counties. In the 2003-04 fiscal year, an estimated 10,969 individual receive CAPI each month. CAPI provides cash aid to low income elderly and disable legal immigrants that fail to qualify for SSI/SSP solely because of their citizenship. Under the Governor's realignment proposal, $95.3 million cost of CAPI would have been shifted to counties. Counties would have full discretion over the program and thus could reduce the benefit levels, limit eligibility, or even cease providing the services completely.

√ Outcome: The CAPI Program was maintained at the State level and not realigned.

California Food Assistance Program (CFAP):

Governor Davis proposed to eliminate CFAP at the State level, and realign funding and program control for CFAP from the State to counties. In the 2003-04 fiscal year, an estimated 101,279 individuals receive CFAP each month. CFAP provides food coupons to legal immigrants that fail to qualify for federal Food Stamps solely because of their citizenship. Under the Governor's realignment proposal, the $113.7 million cost of CFAP would have been shifted to counties. Counties would have full discretion over the program and thus could reduce the benefit levels, limit eligibility, or even cease providing the services completely.

√ Outcome: The CFAP program was maintained at the State level and not realigned.

Naturalization Services Program (NSP):

The Naturalization Services Program provided services to assist legal permanent residents to obtain citizenship through a network of community non-profits throughout the State. For about $350 per client, NSP provided training and support to individuals obtaining their citizenship. Governor Davis proposed to eliminate the Naturalization Services Program, saving $1.3 million General Fund in the 2002-03 fiscal year and $2.9 million in the 2003-04 fiscal year.

Outcome: The Naturalization Services Program was eliminated.