Argument in Favor of Proposition E (Public Assistance Benefits)

By Michael DeNunzio

The following is featured in the March 7, 2000, Voter Information Pamphlet.

San Francisco's $65 million County Adult Assistance Program has become an unintended subsidy to drug dealers, liquor stores and neighboring counties. This is because San Francisco allots 100% of its $285 to $355 a month general assistance in cash, the highest of all Bay Area counties. This does not help the bona fide needy. It is poor stewardship of public funds for two reasons: On the 1st and 15th of every month hundreds of applicants from neighboring counties come to the City to claim residency and obtain this cash. And on these two days, drug deals skyrocket, liquor sales flourish and overdose admissions at SF General Hospital increase.

As a result, 11,000 plus, or one of every 70 residents in San Francisco now receives cash assistance. This is ten times more per capita than surrounding counties, where only one of every 700 residents receives assistance. (7,700 for 5.5 million)

Proposition E will reduce fraud and enhance services for the truly needy. It asks the Department of Human Services to establish a Bay Area consortium to equalize the quality and level of services for applicants. Most importantly, it requires 85% of cash assistance to be paid in non cash services only to bona fide residents. This will enhance services for the truly needy of San Francisco, especially those suffering from substance abuse. Vote YES on Proposition E.