Santa Cruz Co. Members Oppose Cuts to Services
More than 300 health care workers, patients and community members converged at the Santa Cruz County office building June 10 to protest drastic cuts to health services.
Facing severe budget cuts this year, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is proposing to slash up to $19 million of lifeline services, such as residential treatment centers and children’s mental health services.
On Tuesday, union members and clients urged the board preserve this critical safety net of services.
“The majority of the families who we are serving are usually in major crisis,” said Vince Webb, an employment training specialist with Calworks, who helps residents overcome barriers to employment.
“A host of barriers to employment need to be addressed,” Webb said, citing: job dislocation, homelessness, domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, limited job skills, mental health issues, legal problems, financial problems, physical disabilities.
Barri Dommer, a senior social worker for the county for eight years, also addressed the board.
“With the proposed budget cuts we would be reduced to only two social workers working in three different locations,” she said. “If this happens our caseloads will skyrocket and the services we are able to provide will be drastically reduced. The results of this will be potentially devastating to our clients as the services we provide are often a true lifeline to them.
What’s next: Please come and support our services at the following budget workshops/hearings.
Watsonville Civic Center (City Hall), Monday, June 16, 7:30 p.m.
Santa Cruz Government Center (701 Ocean St.) Tuesday, June 17, 7 p.m.
Santa Cruz Government Center (701 Ocean St.) Friday, June 20, 9 a.m.
More information on California Budget Crisis