Schwarzenegger Declares Fiscal Emergency to Force More Cuts

After rejecting Democratic proposals to help close California's $24 billion budget deficit through new taxes on oil companies and cigarettes and alcoholic beverages that are supported by a majority of California voters, Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of fiscal emergency in California in order to be able to impose the types of budget cuts that he previously sought in May.

Under Schwarzenegger's state of fiscal emergency, the state legislature has 45 days to devise another budget plan to close the state's more than $24 billion deficit.

After 45 days, legislators cannot adjourn or act on other bills until they solve the crisis.

Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger has ordered the closure of state offices three days a month along with the associated furlough of 235,000 state employees on those days.

Because the furloughs are unpaid, state workers will effectively be taking a 14 percent pay cut.

The fact that Republicans can block any budget plan advanced by the Democratic majority means that this fiscal emergency will likely be used by Schwarzenegger and the Republicans to extract those deep budget cuts previously rejected by Democrats without the prospect of new revenues.

These cuts include the virtual elimination of social, health, and educational programs that serve the state’s residents such as CalWORKS, Healthy Families, and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).

It is imperative that all Californians who believe in fairness and equality call Schwarzenegger's office and demand that he sign a common sense budget containing enhanced revenue options without further cuts!

Pass the word to other providers, parents, and community residents!

Call 916-445-2841.

Tell Schwarzenegger:

• You want him to signa fair and common sense budget with NO MORE CUTS!

• California needs more revenues!

• End wasteful tax breaks for big business!

If you can’t get through to Sacramento, call any of the governor’s other offices. The important thing is to get through and speak to someone or leave a message.

Fresno Office
559-477-1804

Los Angeles Office
213-897-0322

Riverside Office
951-680-6860

San Diego Office
619-525-4641

San Francisco Office
415-703-2218

Then call and write your legislators:

• Tell them that you are a registered voter and don't want to see the budget balanced on the backs of our children and seniors.

• Tell them to end the $2.5 billion worth of wasteful tax breaks that have been given to big business.

• Tell them that a majority of California voters support taxes on oil companies and alcohol and tobacco producers.

• Tell them that a majority of voters oppose cuts to public services.

If you live in a Republican district, tell them:

• You are a registered voter and will vote them out of office, unlessthey vote YES on the Democrats' current budget proposal.

• Tellthem to voteYES on the Democrats' budget proposal when the vote is held again.

Click here to findthe legislator in your district.

CCPUnited's parent organizations (AFSCME& SEIU) will alsobe conducting various protests and ralliesthroughout the stateto pressure lawmakers to do the right thing.

If you are interested in participating in these upcoming events, call 1-866-336-9333or 1-866-574-8907.

Click here for a list of upcoming events.

Remember to keep those cards, letters, and phone calls coming!