San Jose Residents Voice Federal Funding fears to Local Leaders
SAN JOSE, CA – Santa Clara County residents shared concerns about looming federal funding cuts and their potential impact on vital local services during a recent community forum, prompting assurances from San Jose officials that solutions are underway. The meeting highlighted a projected $1 billion loss in Medi-Cal funding for the county, a situation leaders say will necessitate challenging choices and a reliance on local revenue measures.
The potential cuts threaten to destabilize education, nutrition programs, and mental health services across the county, according to Supervisor Cindy Arenas.”This will impact local communities,” Arenas stated, adding that the county is developing a plan to mitigate the damage, including approximately $300 million in internal reductions. A key component of that plan rests with voters, who will decide on a five-eighths cent general sales tax measure on November 4.Former San jose Mayor Sam Liccardo emphasized the importance of the upcoming special election,framing it as an prospect to influence national politics through a proposed congressional redistricting plan. “That is something you can affect here in San Jose to help us in Washington change the direction of this country … and essentially make it so we’re able to take back the House,” Liccardo told attendees. He urged residents to participate,stating,”Democracy is not a spectator sport.”
The November ballot will ask voters to approve both the sales tax measure,intended to offset the Medi-Cal funding loss,and the redistricting proposal,which aims to add congressional seats for California.
Contact Lorraine Gabbert at [email protected].
