1. Social policy in CA

2. Poverty Higher rate than the nation—about 13% Highest for foreign born Hispanic And female-headed families

3. Federal “Welfare” Reform From AFDC to TANF in 1996 states greater leaway, 2 years at a stretch, 5 total reducing welfare roles--by over half nationally since mid 90s Shift in states’ approach: from cash to transportation assistance, childcare, job training, etc. politically popular, but is it helping the poor?

4. CalWorks and CAPI Program split between cash grants, child care, transport assistance, and job training Among most generous in US About $800 per month for family of four Caseloads dropped by half in the late 90s, then stabilized 1998 CA instituted Cash Assistance Plan for Immigrants (CAPI) Provides cash after waiting period of sponsorship

5. MediCal and Healthy Families CA has higher rate of uninsured than US average—nearly 25% MediCal is CA’s version of Medicaid, paying for health care and nursing care for the poor Legal immigrants presently entitled Most doctors don’t accept it Healthy Families for kids not eligible for MediCal

6. Medical costs increase dramatically with age