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First 5 California has billions in reserves. The State cut the agency $194 million. If they really wanted to, they could use the reserves to pay for a continuation of the health care program for kids, for years.
Instead they prefer to play politics and cry about the cuts--instead of using the available money to do something. Yes, they are going to use $81 million--but they could spend all the money needed and still have billions in reserve. Remember, in February the legislature wanted to take $2 billion in reserves to help balance the budget. Why not use the money for its legal purpose--health care for children? Too easy.
The bigger question, to me, is why didn't the Times reporters note this fact and ask why the money was not being properly used? Again, the Times, by omission, is lying to the public. The Times loves big government, this story shows that again.
We should demand that the reserves be used, if this agency is honest about its mission. Remember, this was set up by Rob Reiner as a slush fund. When caught he was allowed to resign--no jail time for his corruption. If he went to jail, it would have sent a message. By not going to jail, it sent a message that corruption is OK. The mistake Bernie Madoff made was not stealing in the name of the State of California.
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Instead they prefer to play politics and cry about the cuts--instead of using the available money to do something. Yes, they are going to use $81 million--but they could spend all the money needed and still have billions in reserve. Remember, in February the legislature wanted to take $2 billion in reserves to help balance the budget. Why not use the money for its legal purpose--health care for children? Too easy.
The bigger question, to me, is why didn't the Times reporters note this fact and ask why the money was not being properly used? Again, the Times, by omission, is lying to the public. The Times loves big government, this story shows that again.
We should demand that the reserves be used, if this agency is honest about its mission. Remember, this was set up by Rob Reiner as a slush fund. When caught he was allowed to resign--no jail time for his corruption. If he went to jail, it would have sent a message. By not going to jail, it sent a message that corruption is OK. The mistake Bernie Madoff made was not stealing in the name of the State of California.
More...