“You OWE Us”
Advocates of the safety-net gathered on the steps of the State Capitol on Tuesday to remind the Governor and members of the Legislature of their obligation to come to a quick and fair resolution of this 
budget impasse, and pass a budget that doesn’t rely on damaging cuts. This message must be heard because as of August 26th community clinics and health centers across the state will begin receiving IOUs in place of Medi-Cal payments. Many clinics depend on Medi-Cal for up to 50-80 percent of their revenue. These payment delays leave safety-net providers scrambling to continue services and can also result in long term consequences, such as full clinic closures. The Legislature and the Governor owe us and our 4 million plus patients state-wide a fair resolution to the budget impasse because it is only this action that will ensure that our community clinics and health centers can keep their doors open, staff employed & patients protected.
President/CEO Carmela Castellano-Garcia delivered the following message to the gathered crowd:
I stand here today to say enough with the IOUs… our leaders owe us more. Let today mark the beginning of our U O Us campaign… You- elected officials, Owe Us- the people of California, the following:
• More than an all cuts budget – revenues must be included – it is unfair to have the same groups of Californian’s paying for the state’s economic problems.
• A responsible, balanced budget now – We support and encourage the Legislature to make thoughtful, fair decisions – but weeks and weeks of payment delays cause problems of their own.
• The ability to keep our doors open, staff employed & patients treated – We are counting on the Legislature to agree on a timely budget that doesn’t rely on damaging cuts, that allows for clinic doors to stay open, jobs for families maintained, and for Californians to be able to continue receiving the care they need.
• You- owe – us: $43 million in delayed payments due to the budget impasse so far.
