Budget would end welfare to work, cut other programs

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Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger outlined a stark vision Friday of a California that would no longer lend a helping hand to some of its poorest and neediest citizens, proposing a budget that would eliminate the state’s welfare-to-work program and most child care for the poor.

His $83.4-billion plan would freeze funding for local schools, further cut state workers’ pay and take away 60% of state money for local mental health programs.

State parks and higher education are among the few areas the governor’s proposal would spare.

The plan, which would not raise taxes, also relies on $3.4 billion in help from Washington -- half of what the governor sought earlier this year -- to help close a budget gap now estimated at $19.1 billion.

Billions of dollars more would be saved through accounting moves and fund shifts.

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--Shane Goldmacher in Sacramento