Welcome to the 2009-10 State Budget Page. This page contains important documents and information concerning California's Local Child Support Agencies. In order to simplify the search for budget related documents, information is broken down by month.
By nearly any measure imaginable, this has been among the worst budget years in California history. With a shortfall of nearly $60 billion to close, everything was on the table. The
final solution included over $31 billion in cuts to programs and services, $12.5 billion in new taxes, the use of $8 billion in federal stimulus funds and nearly $8.5 billion in other more creative solutions, such as the transfer of property taxes away from city, county and redevelopment agencies to fund state programs. With the Governor's signature of several budget bills, and using his "blue pencil" authority to trim nearly an additional $500 million from the budget, the budget drama - for now- was brought to a close.
While the budget was indeed difficult, funding for LCSA's faired well through the budget storm. Both the Legislature and Administration recognized the important role child support plays in helping families either become or remain economically self-sufficient. Additionally, child support plays an important role in recouping and paying back public assistance costs previously expended by the federal, state,and local governments. Consequently, LCSA base funding was not impacted, and funding for the $18.7 million Revenue Stabilization Fund was also approved.
June
Budget Proposal Fails Passage (June 24th) - The Democrat-backed budget proposal designed to close the $24.3 billion deficit failed passage in both houses of the legislature today. If the Governor and Legislature do not come to an agreement, the Controller's Office issued a press release stating that on July 2nd it will begin issuing IOU's to local governments, private contractors, local vendors, and state taxpayers waiting for tax refunds. Because child support is a federally mandated program, it will NOT be issued an IOU and will continue to receive its regular funding.
Budget Conference Committee Wraps Up - On June 16th, the Budget Conference Committee ended work, taking votes on a number of controversial issues contained in a revenue package. For a broad summary and highlights from the Budget Conference Committee, download the Conference Committee Highlights Report and CSAC's Budget Action Bulletin.
June 10th: State Controller John Chiang released his monthly report detailing California's cash balance. In May, revenue was $827 million below the Governor's May Revise budget provisions. According to Chiang, all available cash will be depleted by mid-July.
On June 1st, CSAC published an outline of the most recent developments in state budget activities over the last week. New developments include the convening of the Budget Conference Committee and additional budget proposals from the Administration and LAO to close the $24.3 billion shortfall.
May
Special Election Aftermath: On May 29th, the LAO published its Health and Human Services Overview including the recommendation of an additional 2.8 billion in solutions for the Budget Conference Committee. The report gives an overview of the impact the Governor's May Revision proposal has on the General Fund reserve of Health and Social Services. For a May Revision budget update (revised May 26th) that includes a list of General Fund reduction proposals, click on the link.
Revenue Stabilization Update: Hearings were held in the Assembly and Senate during Mid-May to review proposals included in the Governor's Budget. DCSS Executive Staff testified during these hearings, including CSDA President Iliana Rodriguez.. Rodriguez testified in support of the Revenue Stabilization Funding and described its impact on the program. Click on the attached link to download a copy of Rodriguez's testimony.
Both the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees voted to approve the Revenue Stabilization Fund. Click to view the action items, including the trailer bill language associated with this funding.
Assembly Budget Agenda, Sub 1, HHS - May 6, 2009
May Revise Update: On May 14th the Governor's Office released two versions of its May Revise. Contained in one version is an assumption that Prop 1 A, B, C, D, and E would be approved thus reducing the estimated budget shortfall to $15.4 billion, and a second version assuming the ballot measures would fail, increasing the budget deficit to $21 billion. LCSA FUNDING IS NOT IMPACTED BY EITHER VERSION.
California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Analysis
State Controller's Office - April Cash Flow Figures
March
State DCSS Director Jan Sturla announces that additional funding resulting from the Revenue Stabilization Fund will be used to establish and in some cases enhance local
Early Intervention projects.
At the last NCSEA Conference, an excellent Power Point presentation was delivered regarding three successful Early Intervention projects. To view that presentation and to receive information about other Early Intervention projects that LCSAs have implemented, please visit the CSDA Best Practices page.
February
The $18.7 million Child Support Revenue Stabilization Fund (RSF) remains in the State Budget. To view specific information and a Power Point on the RSF, click here. To view the allocation methodology, please visit the CSDA Finance Committee page (members only).
The Governor signed 2009-10 State Budget. For details on how the budget impacts county government,
click here
. CSDA has received clarification that the $18.7 Revenue Stabilization Fund is included in the budget.
January
CSDA Memo regarding major budget items impacting LCSAs
click here This page contains information on major budget items proposed in the Governor's 2009-10 State Budget that impact California's local child support program.
State DCSS 2009-10 Local Assistance Administrative Costs and Collections Estimates
click here This resource contains specific details on the Governor's proposed 200-10 Budget regarding California's Local Child Support Agencies.
Legislative Analyst's Office analysis of the Proposed State Budget
click here This document highlights programs that fall under the Social Services umbrella. The write-up and recommendations around California's Child Support Program begin on page 36.
California State Controller says funding for Local Child Support Agencies will not be deferred
click here See page 3 of this document for the reference to Local Child Support Agency funding.