Assemblyman Brian Dahle 2014 Budget Statement

Press Release

"I wanted to support this budget. I appreciate the efforts of the Governor and the Majority to set up a rainy day fund and address the issues of debt and pension obligations. I was hoping that as we went through the process there would be a way to get more rural California priorities included in the process."

Total spending will still grow to a record $108 billion the largest state budget ever. I support smaller Government.
In particular, the budget does not fund the Williamson Act which is very important to agriculture and protecting family farms. Funding for Fairs was also left out.
I worry that the costs of healthcare are not accurately reflected and the stress of implementing the affordable care act will further damage the healthcare providers.
The final budget does not include funding to restore the full Medi-Cal provider rate. Providers have been subjected to a 10 percent rate cut since the 2011 budget.
This issue has become more critical with the increase in Medi-Cal patients. The Administration estimates that there are 1 million more Medi-Cal patients than expected since January 1.
Increasing the Medi-Cal provider rate is key to preserving access to health care in California, especially in poor and rural communities with fewer health care options.
I am afraid that too many costs have once again been shifted to the Counties and we are not making them whole for previous cost shifting that occurred in recent budgets.

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