February 11, 2022 - In this post, we analyze the Governor’s proposal to provide food assistance to currently ineligible immigrants aged 55 and older. First, we provide some essential background on California’s food assistance programs, then we describe the Governor’s proposed expansion, and finally provide an analysis of the proposal as well as issues for legislative consideration.
March 25, 2020 - This post describes key actions taken to increase Californians' access to food in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We focus on key actions taken by the state and federal government through April 10, 2020.
November 17, 2020 - Senate Committee on Human Services
February 4, 2021 - This handout highlights California's major nutrition access programs, related federal and state actions in response to COVID-19, and the Governor's CalFresh-related proposals in the 2021-22 budget.
March 11, 2014 - Presented to Senate Human Services Committee and Assembly Human Services Committee
March 26, 2010 -
In 2009-10, expenditures for health and social services programs in California are estimated to be about $25 billion or 29 percent of statewide General Fund spending. Spending on health and social services programs accounts for 36 percent of total spending when special funds, federal funds, and the General Fund are included. This primer provides an understanding of the overall health and social services expenditures, the workings of major health and social services programs, spending trends in major programs, and the major funding sources for health and social services programs.
This primer and the companion piece The 2010-11 Budget: Health and Social Services—A Restricted Environment provide a framework for policymakers as they make very difficult budget decisions in health and social services.
February 14, 2018 - Presented to: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee
January 29, 2010 - For the special session, the Governor proposes solutions for social services programs totaling $121 million in 2009‑10 and $2.6 billion in 2010‑11. The state Department of Social Services (DSS) oversees most of these programs. There are two main types of proposed solutions: expenditure reductions and fund shifts (federal, county, and special funds). In addition to the General Fund savings, adoption of this package would result in the loss of about $3 billion in federal funds, assuming that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is extended through June 30, 2010. In this piece we provide our analysis of the Governor’s proposals, in some cases offer alternative approaches, and recommend the actions that we believe the Legislature should take on them at this time.
April 25, 1995 - In March 1995, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4-the Personal Responsibility Act (PRA) of 1995. If enacted, it would repeal or amend the provisions of several major public assistance programs and replace them with several block grants.
April 25, 1995 - Personal Responsibility Act of 1995: Fiscal Effect on California