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WCLP News and Noteworthy
Nominations for Fair Shake "Rock Stars" - Now Open
01/08/2010
In the News: 2008 and 2009

Western Center on Law & Poverty is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Fair Shake "Rock Stars" who will be honored and celebrated at the 7th Annual Fair Shake on June 16, 2010. The Fair Shake: A Party with a Purpose is a celebration attended and supported by young professionals and advocates from throughout the region and the state. 
 

HospitalBillHelp.org
10/19/2009
In the News: 2008 and 2009

If you live in California and have problems related to a hospital bill, or need to find a hospital where you can find a fair price, HospitalBillHelp.org can help you understand your rights and options.

Governor signs all WCLP bills!
10/13/2009
In the News: 2008 and 2009

 

The Governor signed AB 191, AB 1142, SB 290 and SB 120, the four bills sponsored by Western Center.

Low-Income Consumer Advocates’ Recommendations for California’s Next 1115 Waiver
10/02/2009
In the News: 2008 and 2009

California’s next 1115 Medicaid waiver presents a unique opportunity to improve health outcomes for poor state residents through expanded coverage and delivery system advancements and innovations. Advocates for low-income consumers have developed some proposals we hope the state will pursue in this waiver. We believe that the lives and health of poor Californians can be improved through a better and more cost-effective Medi-Cal program.

Western Center files suit to secure healthcare for underinsured individuals
09/28/2009
In the News: 2008 and 2009

 The Western Center on Law & Poverty, along with other legal advocates, filed a lawsuit challenging state Medi-Cal policies that deny necessary medical care to individuals who have other health care coverage (OHC) when the other coverage does not provide the health care services the person needs.

60-Day Notice Bill Passes, Goes to Governor
09/04/2009
In the News: 2008 and 2009

Western Center's bill to make permanent the requirement that landlords give tenants 60 days' notice of a no-fault eviction passed the Assembly on 3rd September. It now moves to the Governor's office for approval. The bill, SB 290 (Leno, D-San Francisco), gives tenants more time to move when they are evicted through no fault of their own (e.g., a sale, owner move-in, or major rehab). The current law is set to sunset (expire) this year. SB 290 makes permanent longer notice, which is vital in helping low-income tenants secure replacement housing they can afford, keeping children in schools without disruptive mid-year changes, and allows disabled renters a better chance at obtaining affordable, accessible housing.

WCLP's Dental Credit Legislation Passes Assembly, Sent to Governor
08/31/2009
In the News: 2008 and 2009

 

AB 171 (Jones, D-Sacramento) passed the Assembly 64-0 on 31st August and now goes to the Governor's office for signature. Sponsored by WCLP, the bill protects low-income consumers from predatory marketing of 3rd-party dental credit and loans. Among other things, it would prohibit dentists from arranging for credit while a consumer is under the influence of anesthesia.

AB 171 Passes Senate
08/27/2009
In the News: 2008 and 2009

 AB 171 (Jones, D-Sacramento) passed the Senate on 27th August on a unanimous 38-0 vote. The bill, sponsored by WCLP, was presented by Sen. Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley). AB 171 would protect consumers (especially low-income consumers) from predatory marketing of 3rd-party dental credit and loans. Among other things, it would prohibit dentists from arranging for credit cards or loans while a consumer is under the influence of anesthesia. The bill now heads back to the Assembly, in order to approve the amendments adopted in the Senate.

Child Health Care Advocates file a civil rights suit against the State of CA
08/27/2009
In the News: 2008 and 2009

State routes Medi-Cal applications for the most vulnerable children to Healthy Families’ waiting list.

What Families and Advocates need to know about the Federal Stimulus Program
08/24/2009
In the News: 2008 and 2009

Western Center has published two succinct reports about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and how advocates and communities can help ensure that stimulus funds support low-income Californians.



“There is no group in this state, in my judgment, who has done more for the poor and dispossessed than WesternCenter.”
- John Burton, former President Pro Tem of the California Senate
Legislative Blog and Notes
The Recovery Act: Happy Tax Credit Awareness Day
01/28/2010
Notes on the Legislature

The Recovery Act is delivering larger tax credits to more working families this tax season and next -- but more needs to be done to help families connect to free tax assistance sites.

The Recovery Act: SNAPping back from the Recession
01/21/2010
Legislative Blog

The Recovery's Act boost to SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) is working to help families and the economy -- but there are problems in California

Governor Proposes Devastating Cuts to Health and Welfare Programs
01/08/2010
Legislative Blog

WCLP's Early Budget SummaryAttached.

The Recovery Act: Some Good News to End the Year
12/17/2009
Legislative Blog

The Recovery Act's impact on poverty in California -- and opportunity to win more relief through the Jobs Bill.

Protecting Consumers from Dental Credit Card Abuse: AB 171
07/31/2009
Legislative Blog

Low-income consumers are falling victim to the predatory marketing of credit for dental care with high interest rates, sometimes under unscrupulous circumstances, including:

Looking for Budget Language and Information? Try Here
07/23/2009
Legislative Blog

Since the "cone of silence" descended on the Capitol once again, it's been hard to get concrete information on the budget proposals or review actual language.  The Senate Republicans have posted some of the budget trailer bill on their website:

Governor Proposes Further HHS Cuts and Reforms and Western Center Responds
06/29/2009
Notes on the Legislature

Several times over the weekend the Governor met with Democratic leaders to discuss the budget.  Saturday the Governor proposed new cuts ato nd "reforms" of health and human services programs including CalWORKs, Medi-Cal and IHSS.  Attached are summaries of the three proposals.  The Governor is proposing draconian changes to the CalWORKs program including an additional 6% grant cut and increased work requirements.  He proposes to move the enrollment processes for Medi-Cal, CalWORKs and Food Stamps from paper applications submitted to counties to a statewide Internet-based system.  The Governor is also proposing to either mandatorily enroll seniors and people with disabilities into managed care plans or develop a medical home model for these beneficiaries.  He proposes 5% hospital fee to increase Medi-Cal hospital rates and help fund the General Fund.  Western Center's letters on the CalWORKs and Medi-Cal proposals are attached.

Sunday night the Assembly passed on party-line votes a package of majority-vote budget bills in the Third Extraordinary Session which would take effect 90 days after the session is closed down.  The Senate is currently (Monday) voting on the package.  The Governor has said he will veto the bills.

Welcome to the Bottom of Grover Norquists Bathtub
06/25/2009
Legislative Blog

Governor Proposes Complete Defunding of Child Welfare and Foster Care

WCLP Urges Passage Of Conference Committee Report
06/19/2009
Legislative Blog

Please find attached our letter to the Legislature urging support by legislators for the Budget Conference Committee Report. As our letter explains, while we have many concerns with the budget plan, it largely protects the safety net, is more balanced and equitable than the Governor’s proposal and preserves opportunity. If not passed we fear the next version of the budget may fail to live up to those standards. We understand that not every organization will be able to support but we wanted you to know of our position.


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Did You Know?
What it takes to live in California

Did You Know??

  • A minimum wage worker in California earns only $1,340/month.
  • In order to afford the fair market rent of a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,249/mo), a minimum wage worker would have to work 120 hours/week, 52 weeks per year.
  • In Los Angeles, a tenant needs to earn $25/hour to afford the average 2-bedroom apartment.
  • 6.6 million Californians lack health insurance – the highest in the nation.
  • 70% of uninsured children are in families where the head of household has a year-round, full-time job.

  
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