Budget Cuts Hit Indigent; Political Skirmishes Hit BallotPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Jun. 18‚ 2008While most of City Hall focused on yesterday’s historic marriages, two events went on – one upstairs in the Board chambers and one downstairs at the Elections Department. As required by state law, the Supervisors heard hours of testimony about Mayor Newsom’s budget cuts to low-income people – a 22% across-the-board slice to programs that provide front-line health and human services. Part of this skirmish may rear its head in November – as yesterday’s 5:00 p.m. deadline for the Mayor or four Supervisors to place ordinances on the next ballot passed. Gavin Newsom introduced his Community Justice Center as an initiative – while four progressive Supervisors submitted an Ordinance to require medical treatment on demand. A measure to appropriate $1.5 million for Mental Health Trauma Recovery Services on a one-time basis also made the ballot, while the Mayor moved to oppose permanent budget set-asides. Newsom also submitted a ballot measure to re-structure the Transportation Authority – taking power away from the Board of Supervisors to manage critical transportation funds. |