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State Budget Cuts Remain Harmful to Children
For a summary of the status of budget reductions to children's health coverage adopted in March and June 2011, please visit http://www.100percentcampaign.org/publications/?_c=zvkpxa1pkhtjgt. ____________________________________________________________________________________
"Blended Rate" Medicaid Poses Threat to Health Care Access
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CDF-CA Leads Education Funders on Tour of Juvenile Probation Camp
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CDF-CA Raises Awareness on KPFK's "Feminist Magazine" Program
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The state budget was signed on time this year, but cumulative impacts on children from years of budget cutting remain. In addition, the more optimistic revenue projections that Governor Jerry Brown had to accept when he could not get agreement on extending revenues may mean that "trigger" cuts come later in the year, particularly to K-12 education. California currently has 19.9% of children living in poverty, so all additional cuts can actually worsen the current dismal baseline: almost one in five California children are poor.
Medicaid covers millions of children and adults in California, and the realization of federal health care reform must start with a strong Medicaid base, or the entire expansion of health care coverage will be at risk. However, a technical idea floated by the Obama Administration could begin to destroy Medicaid, just when Californians need it most. The administration is proposing a "blended rate" which would mean that the federal government pays the same matching rate for all programs (currently, they pay about half of Medicaid for most populations and about two thirds of CHIP). However, once the rate is "blended," it is a quick and easy next step for the federal government, under the pressure of deficit reduction, to cut the rate. Even a small percentage cut means millions of dollars lost to California. Fortunately, Governor Jerry Brown stated his opposition to this change.
CDF-CA is very concerned about the education opportunities, or lack thereof, for youth in the juvenile justice system. We are focusing much of our advocacy work on ending punitive education practices that push young people into the juvenile justice system; increasing quality education programming within juvenile facilities; and ensuring education opportunities when youth are released back into their communities. As such, CDF-CA has been working with a group of education funders in Southern California to increase public awareness about what is happening to youth educationally and otherwise in Los Angeles County probation camps. On July 20, CDF-CA led a tour of Challenger Memorial Complex in Lancaster, California--the largest and arguably the most troubled facility in the county. During this visit, the funders had the opportunity to tour the facility, sit in on classes, hear about challenges from staff members, and talk directly with detained youth. This and other similar efforts serve to raise awareness of the issues faced by youth in probation camps and spark new ideas for improving the juvenile justice system and expanding opportunities for incarcerated youth. 
On July 6, 2011, CDF-CA Program Director Saira Soto appeared on KPFK’s “Feminist Magazine” radio show to discuss CDF-CA Freedom Schools®, the CDF National Day of Social Action, and our 100% Campaign efforts to insure all children with comprehensive coverage. Saira also shared her story as a former Beat the Odds® Scholarship recipient who has returned to CDF-CA as Program Director. To hear Saira’s interview, please click on the following link: 
