Sacramento, CA – The County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) of California released the following statement from Interim Executive Director Eileen Cubanski today on the release of the Legislature’s Joint Budget Plan. 

“CWDA is grateful to the Legislature for proposing a balanced budget that protects California’s most vulnerable residents. Rejecting cuts to core social service programs, including CalWORKs, Foster Care, Adult Protective Services, and In-Home Supportive Services will help ensure children suffering from abuse and neglect, families in deep poverty, and people with disabilities will continue to receive the support they urgently need and to which they are entitled. 

“People across the state are increasingly turning to social service programs delivered by county human services programs as the soaring cost of living jeopardizes families’ stability. Our state cannot afford to cut these vital lifelines at this critical time.

“We appreciate this is a tough budget cycle. And we’re aware the Legislature must now negotiate with the Administration on a final budget deal. But we’re heartened to know the Legislature recognizes that forcing the most vulnerable among us to bear the brunt of spending cuts doesn’t align with California’s values or the promise to address longstanding inequities.”