(SACRAMENTO, CA)  A new report released yesterday by the California Budget Project details the effects of the Governor’s proposed cuts to California’s 2008-2009 budget on Napa County.

“We are looking at serious blows to our schools, health care, and safety nets for the poor, seniors, and disabled,” said Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa).  “By refusing to consider new revenues, even closing tax loopholes, the Governor and his Republican colleagues are imposing high human costs on our community.  Republican Assemblymembers prevented us from closing the yacht tax loophole twice this year alone.  Instead of fighting for working families, they’re protecting tax evasion for rich people.  It’s outrageous and out of touch with the needs of California’s working families.”

Impacts of the Governor’s proposed budget cuts on Napa County include:

• 16,670 students served by Napa County’s public schools.  $9,309,000 in cuts amount to a reduction equal to $558 per student.
• 12,740 Medi-Cal recipients who may have reduced access to health care services because of a 10 percent reduction in payments to Medi-Cal providers.
• 3,630 children enrolled in the Healthy Families Program, which provides low-cost health coverage for children in low-income families.  The Governor proposes increasing family contributions to premiums and co-payments along with a reduction in dental services.
• 2,450 low income seniors and persons with disabilities who would receive fewer hours of in home care.
• 50 fewer children will be enrolled in child care and preschool due to cuts in child development programs.