California Budget

Re “War Games in Sacramento,” editorial, July 31: I was appalled and disgusted to read about Gov. Pete Wilson’s decision to repay, in one lump sum, the $1.36-billion debt to the state pension system, instead of repayment over 10 years. I am the parent of a son with mental retardation in a work activity program at ARC-Long Beach. This action puts my son’s program in jeopardy, as there has not been a rate increase since 1991.

In 1991, due to a state fiscal crisis, the developmental disabilities community reluctantly agreed to a rate cut and subsequent freeze for all programs, with a promise to restore a 7% rate increase when the economy improved. We thought 1997 would be our year for funding relief.

This may not be the case due to the governor’s unconscionable decision to play “war games.” The consequences of his decision will severely hurt the most vulnerable citizens of California and negate any progress they have made toward independence and self- sufficiency.

MARION LIEBERMAN

Long Beach

Watching the entire budget debacle reminds me of a poorly written soap opera, and Californians are the victimized audience. It’s too bad we can’t just push a button on a remote control and switch the channel. It appears, based on his decision to repay the legal judgment in one lump sum, that Wilson had a score to settle, and he didn’t care who he hurt as long as everyone recognized he’s the “big man on the block.”

Once again he has arbitrarily denied a cost-of-living increase to the people who keep California’s water clean, protect the public from criminals, provide motorists with safe roads and keep many other essential state services and programs operating.

The court judgment did not have to be paid all at once. It could have been stretched out over 10 years.

ROBERT F. KATZ, President

Assn. of Calif. State Attorneys

and Administrative Law Judges

Glendale

State law says the Legislature must complete a budget by June 30. If they break this law three years in a row, do they all go to jail for life? It’s worth a try.

MICHAEL CARGAL

La Mesa

As a community pharmacy, we provide pharmacy services and medicine to about 1,000 poor, sick Medi-Cal recipients. We have not received payment from the state for over 30 days. We are unable to pay our employee salaries or our suppliers of medicine.

It appears that the politicians in Sacramento are playing a game with the budget crisis. This is a deadly game with the lives and health of many Californians at stake. Let alone the continued existence of medical care and pharmacy services for the poor.

The paradox is they seem to be arguing about how to spend a $2-billion surplus. There must be a way to stop this annual political fiasco. Pay the suppliers first, then have your political arguments.

SY EPSTEIN

Covina