Boxer Releases Detailed Report on Realities of Recession in California
Press Release
Boxer Releases Detailed Report on Realities of Recession in California
Outlines Steps for Economic Recovery
At a press conference in Culver City today, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) released her report detailing the impact of the nation's recession on California's counties and cities.
The report, which was based on interviews Boxer and her staff had with officials in 20 cities and all 58 counties, paints a stark picture of the economic strains felt across California. The detailed analysis includes unemployment figures, home foreclosure rates, budget deficits, and first-hand accounts of the impact of the recession on social services and non-governmental, charitable organizations.
Senator Boxer said, "I want to thank all 58 counties for participating in this important report, as it has given me the information I need to ensure that California gets back on track.
"This report is a reality check on the economythings are not good, but change is coming. I am going to focus like a laser beam on saving and creating jobs, which is the backbone of any economy."
Budget deficits and revenue reductions have forced counties and cities to make cuts in many important programs, including public safety programs, Medi-Cal services, mental heath services, meals on wheels, and youth and senior centers. As a result, non-governmental charitable organizations have been stretched to the brink.
In addition, the report finds that critical infrastructure projects are stalled due to financing problems, which limits job growth at a time when unemployment rates are at their highest level in decades.
Boxer listed a number of provisions she is working with Congressional leaders and President-elect Obama to include in federal economic recovery legislation, including:
* Investment to repair and improve existing infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit and rail;
* Increased support for federal programs that support energy efficiency in new buildings and upgrades to existing buildings, which would create jobs;
* Investment in water infrastructure projects, including reclamation, reuse, and groundwater cleanup programs that could not only provide new water supplies, but create jobs;
* Increased investment in the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, which awards grants to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies so they can hire and train law enforcement officers, purchase new crime-fighting technologies, and develop innovative policing strategies;
* Providing additional Community Development Block Grants, which helps states and local governments to implement plans to address local housing needs and neighborhood stabilization as a result of the foreclosure crisis; and
* Increasing the percentage of funding the federal government provides to states for the Medicaid program, which provides health care services for low-income individuals.
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