2014 Santa Clara County Budget Reflects Needs of Community

Santa Clara County’s $4.6 billion budget, which took effect on July 1, 2013, reflects our ongoing commitment to support our residents’ health, education, public safety and transportation needs.

Also this year, the Board of Supervisors made decisions about how to invest new funds generated from a sales tax approved by voters. In the 2014 budget, we allocated $20 million to keep services at their present levels. Another $15.3 million was put into a reserve to pay for critical services, including $4 million for permanent housing for the homeless.

Each year, supervisors also propose programs and services that fill residents’ needs, usually on a smaller scale. I’d like to share with you the proposals that I recommended that were funded. 

$174,000 for Dependency Advocacy Center for Mentor Parent Program

This program helps parents who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and want to reunify with their children. Participants are guided by graduates of the county’s dependency drug treatment court. Funding of $174,000 brings our total support to $294,000.

$50,000 for Vulnerable Workers Program

Not having a job is the most common barrier that keeps homeless men and women on the streets. The Center for Training and Careers, which has run a day worker training program for 18 years, will create this pilot program for homeless people who don’t qualify for other programs.

$26,000 for the UPLIFT Program

This program provides transportation passes to adults who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless so they can travel to appointments, interview for jobs and find housing.  UPLIFT is a partnership with the County, City of San Jose and VTA. Supervisor Mike Wasserman worked with me on this proposal.

$30,000 for the Valley Homeless Health Program

The Santa Clara Valley Medical Center will join my office to sponsor the Valley Homeless Health Program, which last year provided services and health screenings to more than 400 in just a few hours.  Supervisor Wasserman also worked with me on this proposal.

$65,000 to for Internships for San Jose State Students

Five students will conduct research for county initiatives, receive training from mentors in the nonprofit and government fields and receive seed money to start their own projects. 

$18,100 for a new Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen Stove 

The nonprofit provides 500 meals a day to low-income and homeless individuals and families at three locations.

$98,440 to Asian Americans for Community Involvement

AACI’s Community Partnership pilot program will sponsor a workshop to help immigrants narrow the cultural divide between them and their children who assimilate quickly into the American culture.

$100,000 for the SVCC’s Economic Development Initiative

Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce is setting up a “one-stop shop” focused on creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.  After the Chamber has raised $250,000, the county will contribute $100,000. Supervisor Wasserman also worked with me on this proposal.

For information about these programs or any other aspects of the budget, contact my office at (408) 299-3050 or email me at dave.cortese@bos.sccgov.org.