The County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA) commends Governor Brown for his continued commitment to the Affordable Care Act, reflected in his proposed 2015-16 State Budget, and the critical expansion of Medi-Cal that has brought health care coverage to millions of Californians.

Additionally, after years of budget cuts to county agencies and the families served by our programs, CWDA is pleased to see the continuation of incremental enhancements to the CalWORKs program that serves as a life preserver for families and children across our communities.

While these commitments are important, California policymakers must immediately and systematically tackle the poverty epidemic and growing income inequality that are devastating to millions of adults, children and families across California.

“With nearly 50 percent of California’s children living in poverty or near poverty, and the highest child poverty rate in the country, it is imperative we do more to address this urgent public health crisis,” said Barry Zimmerman, CWDA President and Director of the Ventura County Human Services Agency. “Not only is it shameful to have millions of children going to school hungry and hundreds of thousands of families without stable housing or jobs, we also know the costs are staggering to the public. Our poverty crisis will continue to drag down the economy until this is addressed.”

“There are practical, effective ways we can improve the lives of children and families while also making key investments that would continue to advance California’s long-term economic health,” said Frank Mecca, CWDA Executive Director. “We look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature toward policies that improve the lives of all Californians.”

The County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA) is a nonprofit association representing the human service directors from each of California’s 58 counties. The Association’s mission is to promote a human services system that encourages self-sufficiency of families and communities, and protects vulnerable children and adults from abuse and neglect.

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