(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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma County include:

• Hundreds of thousands of visitors to our state parks which the Governor wants to close – Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, Austin Creek State Recreation Area, and Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park.
• 62,480 students served by Sonoma County’s public schools.  $39,428,000 in cuts amount to a reduction equal to $631 per student.
• 50,420 Medi-Cal recipients who may have reduced access to health care services because of a 10 percent reduction in payments to Medi-Cal providers.
• 12,070 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.
• 4,190 low income seniors and persons with disabilities who would receive fewer hours of in home care.
• 160 fewer children will be enrolled in child care and preschool due to cuts in child development programs.