Description: Health and social services (H&SS) expenditures account for about 29 percent of General Fund spending in California. As part of his plan to bring revenues and expenditures into balance, the Governor’s budget proposes major reductions and program eliminations in the area of H&SS. In this report we describe spending and program requirements as well as key considerations for evaluating budget solutions. We also identify strategies for achieving savings in a restricted environment.

This report and the companion piece The 2010-11 Budget: Health and Social Services Budget Primer provide a framework for policymakers as they make very difficult budget decisions in health and social services.