County Health, Welfare Cuts

Once again, Gov. George Deukmejian has seen fit to further erode the social safety net in California. The governor’s vetoes of some $535 million in health and welfare programs will only further exacerbate the deep problem Los Angeles County faces in providing vital social services.

The governor based many of his vetoes on the need to maintain a surplus for economic uncertainties--a rainy-day fund. However, the fact remains that this county and many other counties are in the midst of a fiscal storm.

The Times is correct in the July 11 editorial, “A Blow to Health Care . . . “, in pointing out the serious repercussions of the governor’s budget cuts, particularly for a variety of public health services in Los Angeles County. Through this budget, basic health programs have been placed at risk. Additionally, these spending reductions are worsening an already severe crisis in mental health.

The governor’s budget cuts will leave the county significantly short in a variety of areas. State-funded programs will be short in the following areas:

* $32.5 million in health services.

* $ 7.2 million in mental health.

* $22.0 million in the Probation Department.

On July 20, the Board of Supervisors approved the county’s 1989-90 budget which restored some of these cuts. Health and mental health and outpatient services were given a partial reprieve. These services received enough funding to keep them operating for 90 days.

This will allow services to continue while sending a distress signal to Sacramento that we desperately need their help.

The situation is similar in other health care areas including the deterioration of trauma-center networks, alternative-care AIDS facilities, and health services to indigents.

To me, the short-term solution is simple. If health services continue to suffer from these setbacks, our health care problems will grow far more serious. Appropriate funding now is a more humane and cost-effective solution.

The long-term solution to the state’s budget problems is more effective leadership in Sacramento. This would include leadership on changing Proposition 13, modifying the Gann spending limit and other reforms.

EDMUND D. EDELMAN

Chairman

Los Angeles County

Board of Supervisors