California State Budget Impact

**Please check back often to stay informed of the latest information on how the state fiscal challenges are impacting our Agency.** 

September 2009

The California state budget was passed on July 24 which carried with it cuts and cost containment efforts to close most of the state’s $26 billion shortfall.  Unfortunately, part of that effort included $334 million cuts from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) which funds services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.  These cuts will undoubtedly change the landscape of services for people with disabilities due to eligibility changes for children and service changes for adults. 

Even in these tough economic times, Gatepath’s commitment to providing high quality services for people with disabilities and special needs does not waver.  In fact, our staff continues to work hard on developing service options that provide effective and efficient approaches to “Turning Disabilities Into Possibilities,” that continue to foster learning and independence among those we serve.

For more information, please download the summary sheet that lists all cuts and changes to regulations impacting people with developmental disabilities. 

Unfortunately, we are still waiting to understand the full implications of the state budget crisis. Yesterday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a fiscal emergency, which requires the Legislature to immediately hold a special session and develop a balanced budget within 45 days.

The Department of Developmental Services’ most recent proposals to reduce the state’s spending on services to persons with developmental disabilities in fiscal year 2009-10 have been released. These proposals are designed to save $334 million in state funds. The Association of Regional Center Agencies put together a summary of the proposed items along with the corresponding pages of the actual trailer bill language. You can view the summary and the bill language by clicking onto the blue highlighted words in the previous sentence.

These proposals are subject to change until the trailer bill language is passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. Significant changes are not expected to occur however the current economic and political tension in Sacramento can bring about unexpected changes. While Gatepath is using these proposals as guidelines for what the state is considering, we are still waiting on a state budget to be approved before any of the proposals are fully implemented. We are also seeking clarification with Golden Gate Regional Center on a few particular items and will update you once we receive word.

Please continue to check back frequently as we intend to update this section of our website at least every 2 weeks or upon late breaking news. Are you a member of our online community? If not, please join today to receive email updates and information about Gatepath news and events!

June 24, 2009

The state budget cuts and the school district budget crunch have wide-ranging implications for many agencies and people in San Mateo County. Community Gatepath, like other non-profit agencies, is evaluating the impact of next year’s state budget and the economic situation at large, and working on creative ways to serve its participants going forward.  

As soon as we have a more clear direction from the state budget and the regional center, we will be better able to make informed decisions and we will share this information with you as soon as possible. In the meantime, we encourage and welcome you to attend one of our CEO Coffee Conversations with Sheryl Young. 

Dates for the coffee conversations are:
Monday, June 22 @ 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, June 24 @ 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 25 @ 5:30 p.m.
Monday, July 20 @ 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 23 @ 5:30 p.m.
Monday, July 27 @ 9:00 a.m.

All coffees will be held at our Adult Services Campus located at 875 Stanton Road, Burlingame.

Please remember to check back often as we will update this hotline at least every two weeks.  You can also join Gatepath’s Online Community to receive information and news via email.