June 29, 2022

Contact: Randall Echevarria, 916-947-1155

California State Budget Agreement Fails to Invest in Vulnerable Californians Served by County Public Guardians and Conservators

Demand for safety net supporting the most vulnerable Californians experiencing homelessness & victims of elder abuse has soared 26% over the past three years

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California State Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians, and Public Conservators (PA|PG|PC) expressed deep disappointment today that this year’s final budget agreement between Governor Newsom and state lawmakers includes no funding for their programs serving the most vulnerable Californians who are homeless and older adults who’ve suffered abuse. Particularly frustrating, PA|PG|PC said, was that the budget fails to address the urgent need to support these programs despite a record $97 billion state budget surplus. This year, PA|PG|PC called for $200 million in annual state investment to address soaring demands that have pushed guardian and conservator programs to the brink of collapse.

“Our county public guardian and conservator programs are already buckling under the strain of overwhelming demand for care vulnerable Californians and their families so desperately need,” said Scarlet Hughes, Executive Director of the California State Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians, and Public Conservators. “It is particularly frustrating that this budget rejects our $200 million funding proposal even as leaders advance additional unfunded policy proposals that would further increase our caseloads.”

“Simply put: without dedicated resources now, we cannot provide the dignity, care, and support or the level of case management that California counts on us to provide,” added Hughes. “The unfortunate reality is that California has a strong financial footing to fund these programs now, as part of this year’s state budget, yet leaders have apparently decided to force our programs to bend until we snap.”

“We will not give up fighting for vulnerable Californians who lack a voice in the policy and budget making arena. California must invest in our crucial safety net services.”