The Governor’s January 2019-20 budget proposal makes much-needed investments in California’s communities. Yet, more is required to address the long-term care needs of older adults and persons with disabilities to ensure their highest quality of life and quality of care. California Health Advocates is one of 37 organizations making up the California Collaborative for Long Term Services & Supports (CCLTSS) and we look forward to working with the Governor to make his commitment a reality. Below is a budget statement on behalf of the CCLTSS.
CCLTSS’ Statement on Governor Newsom’s New Year Budget
Last month, Governor Newsom released California’s proposed 2019-20 budget. The California Collaborative for Long-Term Services and Supports is gratified to see the Governor’s strong commitment to improving access to affordable health care as well as the one-time restoration of the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) hours reduction and investments in Alzheimer’s research, mental health, and affordable housing and programs to prevent homelessness. These investments are critical to promoting the health and wellbeing of all Californians.
However, as a coalition representing 37 statewide organizations advocating for programs that promote dignity and independence in long-term living for older adults and people with disabilities, we think the Governor’s proposal can go much further to advance the Governor’s campaign commitment to supporting the needs of California’s aging population.
The number of adults aged 65 and older is growing, and by 2030 this cohort will represent more than 20% of the population in California with the fastest growing group being those individuals over age 85 who have complex needs requiring comprehensive and coordinated long-term services and supports (LTSS). The Collaborative strongly believes that California needs a system of high-quality, equitable, cost-effective LTSS that strengthen the person, his or her family, caregivers, circles of support, and the community at large. To that end, the Collaborative has assembled a set of policy solutions that are attached here that fall into three general categories: preventing losses of existing LTSS programs, expanding access to needed services that bend the cost curve, and strengthening and modernizing community living and supports.
During his campaign, Governor Newsom committed to creating and investing in a Master Plan to address the needs of California’s aging population. We urge the Governor to honor that commitment through investments in LTSS infrastructure, capacity, and innovation.
The Governor’s January 2019-20 budget proposal makes much-needed investments in California’s communities. Yet, more is required to address the long-term care needs of older adults and persons with disabilities to ensure their highest quality of life and quality of care. The Collaborative looks forward to working with the Governor to make his commitment a reality.
