Last year the governor eliminated key funds for child welfare. We helped win it back, but we must continue to hold the Legislature accountable to stop future cuts.
Last year the governor cut millions from the child welfare services budget, which hurt services to children throughout the state including cutting social workers’ hours and limiting drug tests, which means children’s safety could be at risk in families where substance abuse is an issue.
Due in large part to the dedicated work of SEIU members, a state senate subcommittee voted late last month to restore 95 percent of the $80 million that was cut by the governor last year from the state budget.
Then a state assembly subcommittee voted to restore ALL of the $80 million immediately. Next the full Assembly and Senate will vote on the matter and then it will be back in front of the governor.
The Cold Reality of Slashing Millions from Child Welfare: Riverside County — A Case Study
Reduced funding has meant a reduction in services in Riverside County. Social workers like Keith Price lost 18 hours of work time each month, making it more difficult to serve the community effectively.
In late April, Keith successfully testified in Sacramento before the state assembly and Senate Subcommittees on fully restoring the Governor’s cuts to services.
“Every day I look in the mirror after a long day of family visits, court dates, service referrals, and paperwork, I want to see the face of a person who made a difference in someone else’s
future and in the future of my community, my state and my nation.”
— Keith Price
Social Service Worker
Riverside County
Get Involved
- Contribute to our political fund, COPE, so that SEIU members can continue to win for children and families.
- Write letters, send emails and make phone calls to your state legislators.