CALIFORNIA DISABILITY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK (CDCAN)
CAPITOL NEWS REPORT #001-2005   www.cdcan.us
January 3, 2005 - Early Monday morning
Linking people to disability rights and unified action
Remembering The Late US Congressman Robert Matsui of Sacramento

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE
* Assembly Reconvenes at Noon - Senate At 1:30 PM
* Governor's State of the State Address Set for 1/5
* No Hearings On Bills Scheduled Yet
* California Mourns Passing of Congressman Matsui

SACRAMENTO  - The California Legislature begins the major work of its 2005-2006 two year session this afternoon with major anticipation on how the Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger intends to bridge a projected $8 billion budget deficit when he presents his budget plan by next Monday.  Both houses officially began the 2005 session on December 6, with  a brief  one day ceremonial meeting to swear in new members who were elected on November 2.

The major focus this week will be on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is scheduled to give his second "State of the State" address to a special joint session of the Legislature on January 5, Wednesday at 5:00 PM, with the release of his proposed budget for 2005-2006 set for Monday, January 10, though it could be released sooner.

Nation and California Mourns Death of Matsui
Meanwhile in a separate development, California and the nation mourned the death of US Congressman Robert Matsui (D-Sacramento) who passed away unexpectedly Sunday (January 2) at Bethesda Navel Hospital near Washington, DC after a brief illness.  Matsui, who as a child was interned by the US government in camps along with his family and 120,000 other Japanese-Americans during World War II, was first elected to Congress in 1978, and served two terms prior to that on the Sacramento City Council.  He was viewed by by advocates as a champion for seniors and people with disabilities, especially in his efforts regarding preserving social security.
Gov. Schwarzenegger issued a statement mourning the Congressman's passing, as did President Bush and other national, satte and local leaders.  The Governor will have to schedule a special election - likely for March 2005, to replace Matsui.

Legislature and Advocates Concerned About Governor's Budget Plan
The Governor's State of the State address is highly anticipated by both the State Legislature and advocates for people with disabilities and seniors who are looking for any hints on how the Schwarzenegger Administration proposes to fill a projected state budget shortfall of over $8 billion.  Given the enormous size of the projected deficit, many advocates fear major cuts and reductions to services and supports for people with developmental and other disabilities, seniors and others including people with traumatic brain, spinal cord and other injuries.

The Schwarzenegger Administration promised last January the biggest overhaul of the state's Medicaid program since its creation in 1965, and some components of the restructure or redesign effort will be included in the proposed budget.  It is not clear how much detail or how specific the projected savings to the State (which advocates say represent reductions and cuts to services to people with disabilities and seniors and others) will be included in the proposed budget.  Earlier in December, Tom Campbell, the Governor's new budget director, said that detailed proposals on Medi-Cal redesign are not ready to be included in the proposed budget though since then there have been some conflicting reports that some specifics may be included.

No Actions On Bills - Though New Bills Will Be Introduced
No major actions other than new bills being introduced,  are expected in either house this week, in part because committee memberships have not yet been formally announced and no committee hearings on any bills have yet been scheduled. [Note: Since this is a brand new two year session, no bills from the previous session, which ended August 31, 2004 can "carry over" to this new session.]

SUMMARY FOR THE WEEK
* SENATE - committee memberships not yet formally announced by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland). No committee hearings for bills introduced in December  have been scheduled (and none likely for the first couple of weeks in January).
* ASSEMBLY - committee memberships not yet formally announced by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles).  No committee hearings for bills introduced in December have been scheduled (and none likely for the first couple of weeks in January).
* GOVERNOR - scheduled to give his 2005 State of the State address to a special joint session of the State Legislature on January 5, Wednesday at 5:00 PM in the Assembly chambers.  Last year his address was televised live on many of the state's major TV and radio stations, with hundreds of reporters and media people at the State Capitol from as far away as Japan and other nations. A march and protest by over 1,500 people with disabilities, seniors and other advocates on the sidewalk in front of the State Capitol last year was held to coincide with the Governor's address - protesting his then proposed cuts to In-Home Supportive Services and other reductions.   This year it is not certain of the extent of media coverage and no protests are scheduled.  The Governor is expected to release his proposed budget for 2005-2006 (for the budget year that begins July 1, 2005) on or before January 10, Monday.  It is possible that he could release it sooner.
* BUDGET RELATED MEETING - The Schwarzenegger Administration has scheduled a briefing for people with developmental disabilities, their families and other advocates and groups impacted by the proposed closure of Agnews Developmental Center, for January 7, Friday afternoon from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Secretary of State Office Building main auditorium, two blocks from the State Capitol.  The Department of Developmental Services is hosting the briefing by giving an overview - but no specific details until the proposed budget released.  Other meetings will be scheduled in the future regarding the closure of the state facility built in the late 1800's where just under 400 people with developmental disabilities reside.  Closure is slated for July 1, 2006 - though any closure plan needs final approval of both the Governor and the Legislature through the budget process this year.
 

URGENT - CONTRIBUTIONS NEEDED TO CONTINUE EFFORT CAN CONTRIBUTE VIA NON-PROFIT 501(c)3  see below
Many many, thanks again,  to the friends, people with disabilities and their families, community organizations and others who have sent in generous and needed contributions and donations.  Contributions from people and organizations is very urgently needed to keep the advocacy efforts going for the next several months, as we work to establish non-profit status which we are working on.. Apologies to anyone who have not yet received a thank you - email, letters, calls have been overwhelming!  Your help is needed though to keep the effort going in 2005.
Please make check or money order  to:  California Disability Community Action Network  (or abbreviate CDCAN) OR, if for tax deduction purposes, you can make the check out to TTSR (Training Toward Self Reliance), which is a 501C-3 non-profit organization, and indicate on check that contribution is for support for "CDCAN".
A method to contribute by credit card (through Paypal) is NOW set up on our website, at www.cdcan.us  [new site address]  Send contributions to: California Disability Community Action Network (see below for mailing address)
* How To Receive CDCAN Capitol News Reports and Alerts
The California Disability Community Action Network is a non-partisan link to thousands of Californians with developmental and other disabilities, people with traumatic brain and other injures, seniors and their families, community organizations and providers, direct care and other workers, and other advocates. These action alerts and news reports is for all of them.   If you would like to get on this distribution (and conversely, get off of it) please send an email with that  request to:  martyomoto@rcip.com  OR sign up via the NEW CDCAN website at www.cdcan.us   Sharing information is part of our organizing effort. Please feel free to forward or copy  this (attribution is nice). We're all in this together!
* How To Contact CDCAN
Marty Omoto, director/organizer  New WEBSITE address:  www.cdcan.us
1225 8th Street Suite 480 Sacramento, CA 95814   VOICE PHONE: 916/446-0013
FAX number: 916/446-0026        email: martyomoto@rcip.com