A new California Budget Project report, Stretched Thin 2008: State Budget Cuts Undermine California's Human Services Programs, finds that multiple years of state funding cuts have destabilized seven critical human services programs operated by counties, including programs that assist children who are at risk of abuse and that help frail seniors live safely in their own homes. The report - based on a survey of 13 counties - shows that by failing to fully fund the cost of these programs since 2000-01, state policymakers have undercut counties' ability to deliver high-quality services and have effectively compelled counties to reduce the scope and breadth of the services provided. In contrast, counties included in the survey generally reported positive results in the Medi-Cal Program - the only program that received state funding to support counties' increased operating costs between 2003-04 and 2007-08. This finding suggests that adequate state funding is a crucial component of counties' ability to deliver services effectively and meet program performance goals.

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