Budget negotiations are continuing today after they stalled late last, apparently just $200 million short of finishing the deal. But even if the broad parameters of the deal are struck soon, many details are still not finalized and are still being negotiated at this hour.

WCLP has heard from several sources about what is under discussion for social services. In CalWORKs, full family sanctions are off the table but an increase in the amount of the sanction is being discussed. Apparently any increase would be graduated, with the amount of the sanction increasing as non-compliance continues. A crucial detail is what procedural steps will be required before a county could reduce the children's portion of the grant. See our attached piece on how the Governor's sanction proposals create a trap door for CalWORKs families.

Also under discussion is a shortening of the time limit. The current 60 month time limit came into law in 2004 in Governor Schwarzenegger's first year in office. Now he is proposing a 24 month limit that would make it hard for many families to complete their welfare to work plans. Under discussion is a longer time limit than the Governor proposed combined with county flexibility to extend time limits on a case by case basis. Still unclear is how long the adult would have to remain off aid before being able to return. The range appears to be 3 to 6 months.

We also hear that the Governor is asking for another $100 million cut to the county single allocation fund for CalWORKs. These are the funds to pay for child care, supportive services and county administrative costs. This would be on top of the $200 million already cut by the budget conference committee. Rumors persist that this amount could grow in an effort to fill the final budget gap. Any further cuts in this area will reduce the number of families moving toward self-sufficiency.

What we are not hearing anything about are grant cuts to CalWORKs or SSI. There are no proposals to eliminate child only CalWORKs assistance or eliminate the Safety Net for children if parents hit time limits. We are hearing that the immigrant cash, food and health programs have not been under discussion.

This morning WCLP, the county welfare directors, the county supervisors association and national experts in privatization of eligibility for social services held a press briefing denouncing the Governor's attempt to ram through a massive privatization proposal with no oversight or controls. Despite the numerous failures of other state when they have attempted to privatize, the Governor is insisting on unfettered discretion to implement privatization. Democrats appear willing to deal but some worry they are not driving a hard enough bargain by keeping ultimate authority to approve the project in the future and by insisting that the Governor comply with openness and transparency laws to which the Governor seeks a blanket waiver. WCLP is very concerned that a rushed privatization of eligibility will result in a loss of benefits and services for eligible low income families when they need them most.