So far the Stupid Republicans(as opposed to a pair of smart ones) in the California state Senate are doing a sit down strike and saying no to any tax increase and half of the states 20,000 employees will or maybe already have received their pink slips...


California can't solve budget crisis (Click Here)

CNN wrote:

Late Tuesday, Republicans ousted their leader, Sen. Dave Cogdill of Modesto. The move was likely to complicate debate because Cogdill had headed up negotiations with Democrats on the budget impasse.

California state senators struggle through a long budget
negotiation session Tuesday.

President Obama is currently in Mesa Arizona today.

CDCAN ACTION ALERT #06

ADVOCACY WITHOUT BORDERS: ONE COMMUNITY

February 18, 2009 - Early Wednesday morning

California Disability Community Action Network reports and alerts go out to over 45,000 people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors, veterans with disabilities & mental health needs, their families, workers, community organizations, including those in Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino, African American communities, policy makers and others across California. REPLY TO: MARTY OMOTO website: http://www.cdcan.us/


Photo of protestors including Anna Wang, January 15, 2009 outside the State Capitol while Governor gives his annual "State of the State" speech to the Legislature

ACTION ALERT

PROTESTS THIS WEEK:

TODAY! February 18th in San Francisco

Thursday - February 19th in Sacramento

And more to come!

Decisions are made by those who show up – and also are made by others when people don’t. Show up – whether in San Francisco on the 18th or in Sacramento on the 19th or by taking action in your own communities or coming to the State Capitol (we are planning one in LA, San Diego and Central Valley – to be announced)

Be angry, be outraged, but also be hopeful that we can do something. We can fight back, we can say “no” to more cuts that harm people and take away rights and say “yes” that the State keep its promise to our communities across California. Everyone should be at this protest because this is about lives that matter!



TODAY! FEBRUARY 18, 2009

09:00 AM to 11:00 AM

WHERE: SAN FRANCISCO

US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Courthouse

95 Seventh Street in San Francisco [sidewalk]

Sidewalk Protest Against Medi-Cal and Other Cuts That Harm People with Disabilities, Mental Health Needs, Seniors

* The court will be hearing that day at 10 AM lawsuits dealing with blocking the State from implementing Medi-Cal rate reductions for most providers that went into effect July 1, 2008 (most of those cuts have been stopped by the lawsuit – this hearing – among other things - is to consider an appeal from the State to overturn that ruling that stopped the cuts from taking place). Please Note: please be respectful to the people going into the courthouse – including the judges.
* But the protest will also be about OTHER cuts that impact our communities – including those to regional centers, SSI/SSP, senior programs, CalWORKS, mental health services, and other proposed cuts that could happen to In-Home Supportive Services and Medi-Cal optional benefits, and more. This is about lives that matter – and about rights and promises that must be kept.
* REMEMBERING JOAN LEE AND DONALD ROBERTS – AND OTHER LIVES THAT MATTER - Like the demonstration on February 19th in Sacramento, this protest is being held in memory of our friends Joan Lee, Sacramento Gray Panther (passed away last August) and Donald Roberts, disability advocate and People First Member (passed away January 11). Also – remembering Maggie Dee Dowling – who is having some health problems, and can’t be at the court hearing or demonstration – but WILL be with us in her strong spirit and will be checking out the evening news!
* DIRECTIONS AND SOME LOGISTICS: peaceful protest will happen outside on the sidewalk area in front of the courthouse entrance between Mission Street and Stevenson Street (Market is the next major street that crosses 7th. The nearest BART Station is Civic Center- but elevator will not be in service until May. Nearest BART Station with working elevator is Powell Street Station (a few blocks further away – but still within walking distance). I checked out the stations and the protest site (it is free of construction barriers, etc) on February 6th.
* WHAT TO BRING: signs, pictures of loved ones impacted – dress warmly and bring umbrella (just in case) or other protection from the rain. If you have protection against bad budget cuts – bring that too.
* WEATHER – As of Tuesday 2/17, the weather in SF (and Sacramento) is predicted to be dry and sunny.
* WHO SHOULD COME: People with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors and their families, low income children and their families, community organizations, facilities, workers who provide supports and services and advocacy. Join Gray Panthers, CDCAN, People First, ADAPT, other senior and disability advocacy groups and organizations in this action.



Photo of protestors for people with disabilities, mental health needs and seniors outside State Capitol in Sacramento January 15, 2009 while Governor gives "State of State" address to Legislature (photo by Stephen Dale)FEBRUARY 19, 2009 (THURSDAY)

11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

WHERE: SACRAMENTO

Department of Health Care Services building

1501 Capitol Avenue (crosses 15th Street – near Capitol)

Sidewalk Demonstration for Rights of People with Disabilities, Mental Health Needs, Seniors and against Budget Cuts (including Major Cuts to Regional Centers, SSI/SSP) that Harm Our Communities

* Inside the building, at 1 PM will be the first of at least two public forums by the Department of Developmental Services, in the East End Complex Auditorium to receive public input on the issue of regional center funding – including controlling costs (we will organize protest at Los Angeles Public Forum and also any other meeting to be scheduled)
* By the time of this meeting, a budget agreement would have likely been passed that will include major new cuts to regional centers that fund (to community organizations and other vendors) a wide range of community-based supports and services to over 230,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities – including those with down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. In addition, many also receive In-Home Supportive Services, adult or senior services, Medi-Cal, SSI/SSP, mental health services, accessible transportation and housing services. This is about lives that matter – and about rights and promises that must be kept.
* ALSO ATTEND PUBLIC FORUM BY DEPT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES AT 1 PM INSIDE - We want people to come to the demonstration outside – but also come inside to voice your concerns and give your input to the Department of Developmental Services. Please note: please be respectful during the meeting – one can be strong and angry without being rude and disrespectful. Self determination and one’s rights means respect for others. Not just ourselves. The director of the Department of Developmental Services, Terri Delgadillo and her staff deserve that respect – and also, have earned it, in their positions with the state, as advocates for our communities. We may like the proposals – but we can respect each other and still fight hard for what we believe in.
* This sidewalk protest is for the rights of all children and adults with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors, low income children – their families – community organizations and workers who provide supports, services and advocacy outside on the sidewalk in front of the Department of Health Care Services – the agency that oversees Medi-Cal, and where the public forum for the Department of Developmental Services is being held. .
* REMEMBERING LIVES THAT MATTER - Like the protest in San Francisco on February 18, this demonstration is being held in memory of our friends Joan Lee, Sacramento Gray Panther (passed away last August) and Donald Roberts, disability advocate and People First Member (passed away January 11).
* Directions and Some Logistics: peaceful protest will happen outside on the sidewalk area in front of the Department of Health Care Services in Sacramento – I will provide more details on directions and logistics on Monday (February 16)
* WHAT TO BRING: signs, pictures of loved ones impacted – dress warmly and bring umbrella (just in case) or other protection from the rain. If you have protection against bad budget cuts – bring that too.
* WHO SHOULD COME: Everyone – we are one community fighting for our rights – and against cuts that harm any of us. People with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors and their families, low income children and their families, community organizations, facilities, workers who provide supports and services and advocacy. Join people with disabilities, families, workers,, CDCAN, People First, ADAPT, other senior and disability advocacy groups and organizations in this action.



URGENT!!!!

PLEASE HELP CDCAN CONTINUE ITS WORK!!!

CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings, reports and alerts and other activities cannot continue without your help!

CDCAN Disability Rights News Reports, Telemeetings & other Events

Advocacy Without Borders - ONE Community:

To respond to this report reply to: Marty Omoto at CDCAN website: http://www.cdcan.us

To continue the CDCAN website, the CDCAN News Reports. sent out and read by over 45,000 people and organizations, policy makers and media across California and to continue the CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings which since December 2003 have connected thousands of people with disabilities, seniors, mental health needs, people with MS and other disorders, people with traumatic brain and other injuries to public policy makers, legislators, and issues.



Please send your contribution/donation (make payable to "CDCAN" or "California Disability Community Action Network):

CDCAN

1225 8th Street Suite 480

Sacramento, CA 95814

You can also donate via credit card – paypal on the CDCAN site working again!



The CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings are partially funded by a small grant from the USC UCEDD, Grant #90DD0540 from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. (note: the opinions expressed or content in these reports do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the USC UCEDD.

MANY, MANY THANKS to RESCoalition, Easter Seals of Southern California, Tri-Counties Regional Center, FEAT (Families for Early Austism Treatment), Regional Center of the East Bay, Friends of Children with Special Needs, UCP of Orange County, UCP of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, Alta California Regional Center, Life Steps,, Parents Helping Parents, Work Training, Foothill Autism Alliance, Arc Contra Costa, Pause4Kids, Manteca CAPS, Training Toward Self Reliance, UCP, California NAELA, Californians for Disability Rights, Inc (CDR) including CDR chapters, CHANCE Inc, , Strategies To Empower People (STEP), Harbor Regional Center, Tri-Counties Regional Center, Asian American parents groups, Resources for Independent Living and many other Independent Living Centers, several regional centers, People First chapters, IHSS workers, other self advocacy and family support groups, developmental center families, adoption assistance program families and children, and others across California.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

So far the Idiot Senator Hollingworth has said the Budget can be balanced without raising taxes or fees any.

I'd really like to know how????

Like on the Backs of California's Disabled community???

The Guy must despise the Disabled If He thinks that.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

He's probably thinking of actually letting someone drill for oil on those offshore leases.

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Calm Chaos Forum...Join Calm Chaos Now

Looks like the budget issue is settled.

In all, three Republican senators and three GOP assembly members broke party lines to join Democratic lawmakers, who unanimously backed the spending plan.

FEBRUARY 19, 2009, 12:15 P.M. ET
California Senate, Assembly Send Budget to Schwarzenegger

By STU WOO
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California's legislature approved a plan Thursday morning to close the state's $42 billion budget deficit through steep cuts and new taxes, after state leaders corralled the last Republican vote needed to end a 15-week partisan impasse that has battered an already-crippled state economy.

State Sen. Abel Maldonado provided the required "aye" vote after senate leaders met his demands that certain state-government reforms be added to the budget proposal and that the plan be stripped of a gas-tax increase.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will likely sign the plan by this weekend, opening the way for officials to restart construction projects and send tax refunds that had been delayed to keep the state from running out of cash.

"I am extremely proud of the members of the legislature, both Republicans and Democrats, who had the courage to stand up and put the needs of Californians first," the governor said in a statement. "This is a very difficult budget, but we have turned this crisis into an opportunity to make real, lasting reforms for California."

There will be mayhem when that vehicle tax goes into effect. Any here remember who Gray Davis was?

The budget calls for raising the sales tax by one percentage point and adding an increase of 0.25% to state income taxes. An increase in the vehicle-license fee to 1.15% from 0.65% represented a remarkable capitulation for Mr. Schwarzenegger. The governor won election in 2003 after campaigning to cut the so-called car tax, which he did after taking office.

I await the recall effort.

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me@rescam.org

Looks like the budget issue is settled.

In all, three Republican senators and three GOP assembly members broke party lines to join Democratic lawmakers, who unanimously backed the spending plan.

FEBRUARY 19, 2009, 12:15 P.M. ET
California Senate, Assembly Send Budget to Schwarzenegger

By STU WOO
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California's legislature approved a plan Thursday morning to close the state's $42 billion budget deficit through steep cuts and new taxes, after state leaders corralled the last Republican vote needed to end a 15-week partisan impasse that has battered an already-crippled state economy.

State Sen. Abel Maldonado provided the required "aye" vote after senate leaders met his demands that certain state-government reforms be added to the budget proposal and that the plan be stripped of a gas-tax increase.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will likely sign the plan by this weekend, opening the way for officials to restart construction projects and send tax refunds that had been delayed to keep the state from running out of cash.

"I am extremely proud of the members of the legislature, both Republicans and Democrats, who had the courage to stand up and put the needs of Californians first," the governor said in a statement. "This is a very difficult budget, but we have turned this crisis into an opportunity to make real, lasting reforms for California."

Yeah It's a done deal and the Republicans who didn't vote for It are marginalized according to what I've read. At least the 0.12 per gallon hike in the Gas Tax is gone. :D

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

There will be mayhem when that vehicle tax goes into effect. Any here remember who Gray Davis was?

The budget calls for raising the sales tax by one percentage point and adding an increase of 0.25% to state income taxes. An increase in the vehicle-license fee to 1.15% from 0.65% represented a remarkable capitulation for Mr. Schwarzenegger. The governor won election in 2003 after campaigning to cut the so-called car tax, which he did after taking office.

I await the recall effort.

He's a lame duck, So I think He's safe in what I think is His final year in office. :D

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

There will be mayhem when that vehicle tax goes into effect. Any here remember who Gray Davis was?

The budget calls for raising the sales tax by one percentage point and adding an increase of 0.25% to state income taxes. An increase in the vehicle-license fee to 1.15% from 0.65% represented a remarkable capitulation for Mr. Schwarzenegger. The governor won election in 2003 after campaigning to cut the so-called car tax, which he did after taking office.

I await the recall effort.

He's a lame duck, So I think He's safe in what I think is His final year in office. :D

I don't think we elect a new governor until Nov 2010. If that's the same year Boxer is up for re-election he might try running for her Senate seat. This might dash his hopes though.

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me@rescam.org

wasn't the whole reason we got rid of Gray Davis was to stop all those stupid rolling brown outs "gray outs", well the main reason anyways. Anyways I don't think what the republicans did was wrong, they didn't want any new taxes at all and who in their right mind can blame them.

California already has a insane sales tax combine that with every other thing the state taxes which is just about everything it seems and it's no surprise they did not want to raise the taxes. Just like the US government california's local/state governments have millions if not billions of dollars per year going to useless programs.

I know cutting spending isn't as easy as they showed in the movie "Dave" but with the way our government spends money I doubt it can be that hard to find some good ways to save money.