Special Projects

Policy Analysis Aids Health Advocacy Efforts

uch of the funding that sustains health and other human services in California comes from the State budget. Most people, however, don’t realize the impact that public spending can have on their health and wellness.

TCWF provided a two-year, $150,000 core operating grant to the California Budget Project (CBP) for policy analysis and public education on critical fiscal and economic policy issues affecting the health of vulnerable Californians.

“I believe there is power in sophisticated policy analysis and research of these issues,” said Jean Ross, executive director and founder of the California Budget Project. “What’s exciting is taking that information and communicating it so that people can make the world better.”

This passion for positive change has driven the work of CBP since its founding in 1994. CBP has developed into an important resource for individuals and organizations to understand and engage in state policies that have important impacts on families.

“CBP looks out for the people who are working, often full time, and are still not able to have their basic needs met,” said TCWF Senior Program Officer Ruth Brousseau.

CBP analyzes and develops policy recommendations, conducts research and educates the public about how the State budget impacts low- and middle-income Californians. CBP produces a number of publications that clearly identify where the gaps are in the State budget on a wide range of issues including health, housing and child care.

Available resources include an annual analysis of the governor’s proposed budget, six short Budget Briefs on topical policies, a quarterly newsletter summarizing budget actions and a comprehensive website: www.cbp.org. Some recent topics addressed by CBP publications include health and welfare, welfare reform and the housing crisis facing low- and middle-income Californians.

CBP also conducts educational workshops on budget analysis and advocacy to local and statewide organizations.

“Health care is always an issue of concern for us. A lot more needs to be done to address the health care needs of low- and middle-income Californians,” Ross said.

CBP has three primary target populations for their work: (1) elected officials and their staff; (2) community leaders—meaning anyone who has taken a leadership role to advocate for the needs of a specific community or population; and (3) the news media.

“Safety-net providers can utilize CBP’s resources in their own advocacy efforts,” TCWF’s Brousseau said. “For example, they can become experts on these issues and educate decision makers at crucial moments when funding sources are threatened.”

CBP’s reputation as a credible resource is strong because the organization is ready to respond to the issues of the day with information that is presented factually and clearly.

“A factual approach is often more persuasive than hitting people over the head to make a point,” CBP’s Ross said. “It allows people to arrive at their own opinions and when they do, they can become strong advocates.”

For more information about the California Budget Project, visit www.cbp.org

Winter 2000/2001

INSIDE:

Cover Story

Promotoras warn of air toxins

Pooled fund for school clinics

Male-focused teen pregnancy prevention

2000 California Peace Prize awardees

Health insurance for low-wage workers

Policy center aids advocates

Grants Program

Grants listing