Santa Barbara Supervisors Postpone Crucial Votes on Health Policy & Social Services Cuts: What It Means for Our Community

Hundreds of county workers, immigrant-rights advocates, and union members gathered at the Santa Barbara County Administration Building on Tuesday. They voiced strong opposition to two proposals that could significantly impact the county’s health care and social services.

The main focus was a plan by the Public Health Department to disenroll thousands of undocumented patients from county clinics. Additionally, there was a restructuring proposal from the Department of Social Services that might cut over 100 jobs.

After listening to hours of public testimony, the Board of Supervisors decided to postpone any decisions. They wanted more time to gather information and hear from the community.

Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, the county’s Public Health Director, explained that federal changes have led to a serious funding gap. Newly classified restrictions mean local health centers can no longer bill for treating patients in “unsatisfactory immigration status.” This shift could cause a deficit of $5.2 million this year and $8.2 million next year for the health department.

Hammami emphasized that the plan aimed to ensure patients still receive care. He described a “warm hand-off” for transitioning patients to new providers, insisting that they wouldn’t simply be abandoned. He noted it generally takes at least three months to transition care.

However, community organizations criticized the proposal as rushed and detrimental. The federal rule impacting patients is currently blocked by a court injunction. Primitiva Hernández, the Executive Director of 805 Undocufund, voiced concerns about the lack of transparency, stating they only learned about the plan through media reports.

Vanessa Teran from the Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project highlighted the fear and confusion within immigrant families regarding these proposed changes. She called the situation unjust and expressed that it would betray the immigrant community.

Despite Hammami’s assurances that no one would lose coverage, the community remains anxious. California does continue to offer Medi-Cal coverage for all eligible residents, regardless of immigration status, but there are limits on where it can be utilized.

The meeting also addressed the financial troubles in the Department of Social Services, which faces a $9.7 million budget gap. The proposed restructuring could eliminate over 100 positions, alarming many union representatives. Laura Robinson, Executive Director of SEIU Local 620, stressed the critical role that these employees play in supporting children, seniors, and vulnerable adults.

Carson Acosta, from SEIU Local 721, urged the Board to consider a zero-layoff budget, warning that job cuts would negatively impact service delivery.

Supervisors have postponed discussions on the Social Services restructuring until November 18, with plans to explore alternatives that would minimize layoffs.

Both departments are under significant financial strain, and the community is eager for a say in decisions that could affect thousands. The Board will revisit these proposals later this fall, as the implications of these changes continue to weigh heavily on residents and county workers alike.

For background on recent federal regulations affecting health care access, visit Kaiser Family Foundation.

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