Social workers, public health nurses, probation officers and park employees spoke up today as LA County budget hearings kicked off on May 12. They pitched ideas to save money and improve services as an alternative approach to further cuts and reductions proposed by the county.
“It’s a shame that we face budget shortfalls every year. It puts the safety of every resident at risk. My hope is that we can work together to maintain a strong public health system and save vital programs through efficiencies.” – Willie Watts-Troutman, Public Health NurseCounty employees also focused on improving services and winning new resources despite the budget crisis.
“Social workers are on record taking an entirely different and positive approach to improving child safety. We know what it takes including support and resources to strengthen child welfare.” – Mike Ross, Children’s Social WorkerSome of our ideas include:
• Tapping Department and Board of Supervisors discretionary funds that can be used strategically now.
• Implementing “smart sprinklers” and other green initiatives to reduce water use at the parks
• Supporting quality social work by providing resources and streamlining the emergency response workload.
• Using federal funds to support hiring for recreation programs that families need
County Willing to Partner for Solutions
Both LA County CEO Bill Fujioka and Supervisor Gloria Molina cautioned that the county is dependent on state funding and that Governor Arnold Schwarzenengger, who will present revisions to the state budget known as the “May revise” Friday, May 14, is projecting another major shortfall.
We don’t need to add to the unemployment and as a local government we’ve been proud of our prudent approach to the budget, but it’s going to be tough going forward,” said Gloria Molina, LA County Supervisor, 1st District. “We have a strong partnership and I hope we can continue to work together in this tough time.”
ABC Coverage of LA County budget hearing:
It is time for the County and 721 to look into the early retirement. Just like in 95, 5 on the age and 5 on the medical, along with at least 2 mos severance pay until the retirement fund kick in. This will insure that no lay offs come and will help the brothers and sisters stay employed for the County like those who did this for us in the begining of our County careers!!!!!
Steve, I’m with you, brother. Five years is all I would need to be on my way. Unfortunately, nothing is free. The County would have to pay into LACERA the millions in contributions (both the County’s and the employees’) it would cost to add that extra benefit. With the current deficit, I don’t know how the County would come up with that money. But it’s definitely worth exploring, along with other ideas our members might have.
I do think Steve is right! After all we all know a lot of our co-workers that are ready to retire and want the Golden Hand Shake now would be the best time for that. Something is better than nothing right????