ASSEMBLYMAN HOUSTON JOINS SERVICE PROVIDERS IN DEMANDING EMERGENCY FUNDING
California Political Desk
September 08, 2008
SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Guy Houston, R-San Ramon, today held a press conference with Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, Senator Republican Leader Dave Cogdill, Senator Jeff Denham, and service providers across the state to urge Democrats and Governor Schwarzenegger to pass emergency funding legislation he authored that will allow essential state services impacted by the budget delay to be funded immediately.
Assembly Bill 24xxx will ensure that funding continues for critical services for the developmentally disabled, regional centers, those who receive 24-hour care and other Medi-Cal recipients while the state faces an extended budget delay.
"I am very disappointed that Democrats are using procedural roadblocks to prevent us from even having a debate on my measure. This is something we can do today to fund critical services that will help us along in our budget negotiations," said Assemblyman Houston. "California´s most vulnerable should not have to suffer because Democrats have failed to lead and refuse to work with Republicans on a bipartisan budget compromise."
"Autistic children aren´t receiving the early intervention services they need, adult day care providers are refusing new clients, and rural hospitals are on the verge of closing their doors," said Houston. "The right thing to do is appropriate these vital services at last year´s levels giving the Legislature the opportunity to pass a responsible budget."
"Medi-Cal providers are already postponing payment of food, utility bills, and even employee paychecks. They are being threatened with discontinuation of services, which places the care of the residents in jeopardy." – Steve Zolno, CEO, New Way Services, Inc., an organization that provides services to adults and children with developmental disabilities.
Assembly and Senate Republicans plan to take up this measure in today´s session and every session day until it is given the chance for fair debate by Democratic leadership.
Assembly Bill 24xxx will ensure that funding continues for critical services for the developmentally disabled, regional centers, those who receive 24-hour care and other Medi-Cal recipients while the state faces an extended budget delay.
"I am very disappointed that Democrats are using procedural roadblocks to prevent us from even having a debate on my measure. This is something we can do today to fund critical services that will help us along in our budget negotiations," said Assemblyman Houston. "California´s most vulnerable should not have to suffer because Democrats have failed to lead and refuse to work with Republicans on a bipartisan budget compromise."
"Autistic children aren´t receiving the early intervention services they need, adult day care providers are refusing new clients, and rural hospitals are on the verge of closing their doors," said Houston. "The right thing to do is appropriate these vital services at last year´s levels giving the Legislature the opportunity to pass a responsible budget."
"Medi-Cal providers are already postponing payment of food, utility bills, and even employee paychecks. They are being threatened with discontinuation of services, which places the care of the residents in jeopardy." – Steve Zolno, CEO, New Way Services, Inc., an organization that provides services to adults and children with developmental disabilities.
Assembly and Senate Republicans plan to take up this measure in today´s session and every session day until it is given the chance for fair debate by Democratic leadership.
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