CA Senate Approves Emergency Funding Bill
Oct 20, 2009
The California State Senate unanimously approved legislation on October 15th to restore $16.3 million in funds to help keep the doors open at 94 domestic violence shelters and centers in the state. “In order to keep the remaining domestic violence shelters open, it is absolutely vital that the Governor immediately sign this bill into law,” said Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco). “Failure to do so will only result in increased health care, law enforcement and other costs to the state. But more critically, it puts victims of domestic violence and their children in grave danger.”
Some California shelters have been forced to close in the recent weeks following devastating budget cuts by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who used a line-item veto in July to slash more than $16 million in funds for the state’s 94 domestic violence shelters, as the state faced a severe deficit. More shelters and programs are reportedly on the brink of closing.
Award-winning musician Moby announced on October 1 that he will donate proceeds of three October shows during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to help struggling domestic violence shelters. Moby appeared at an event with Senator Yee on October 15 to urge Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign the bill. “Domestic violence is equal parts prison and torture for many women,” Moby said. “My sincere hope is that we can step up and help to protect women in California, and end domestic violence.”
“We are gratified that the Senate recognized the urgency of the shelter crisis, and heard our bill immediately upon their return,” said California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV) Executive Director Tara Shabazz. “The wide bi-partisan support shows that the will of the people is behind this measure. We now call on the Governor to sign this life-saving bill as soon as it reaches his desk.”
To kick-off Domestic Violence Awareness Month, CPEDV hosted a rally and special public hearing at the Capitol on October 5. Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Senator Ellen Corbett, Assemblymember Fiona Ma, actor, author and activist Victor Rivers, and domestic violence leaders and survivors called for restoring domestic violence services in the state.
