Los Angeles County to Lose $1.4 billion for programs

January 26, 2008

Los Angeles - Los Angeles County officials said last week that the county would lose approximately $1.4 billion over the next seven months for social services and health programs if the state continues with its plan to put off such payments beginning next week.

The estimated loss is too big for the county to cover for over a short period - even as various lawmakers advise that many programs such as foster care and welfare are mandated by law - the chief executive of the county cautioned in a memo to Los Angeles County supervisors.

William T. Fujioka said that, "At best, we can cover deferred payments for two months. Beyond that we would have to look at financing options."