Protests of Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed services cuts planned

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Activists are rallying in four cities Tuesday to protest billions of dollars in Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed cuts to health and social services.

Faced with a $9.2-billion budget gap, Brown has proposed slashing about $2 billion from health and human services. That includes tighter restrictions on welfare benefits and decreased compensation for health services for the disabled.

In addition, 62,000 slots would be eliminated in child-care programs, saving an additional $446.9 million, according to Brown’s Department of Finance.

“We’re appalled that once again he’s proposing to balance this budget on the backs of the most vulnerable Californians,’ said Vanessa Aramayo, director of the California Partnership, a coalition of anti-poverty nonprofit groups.

In Los Angeles, protesters will be gathering at the State Building on Spring Street. There are also rallies scheduled in San Francisco, Fresno and San Bernardino.

When unveiling his budget proposal Thursday, Brown said it was the best plan possible given the state’s struggling economy.

‘California government is a very generous, compassionate political jurisdiction,’ he said. ‘When we have to reduce our spending, that spending is going to have to come from programs that are doing good.’

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-- Chris Megerian in Sacramento

On Twitter at @chrismegerian