The California Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss critical funding updates for the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and the Department of Aging. A key highlight was the DOR's budget overview, revealing a total allocation of $570.6 million for the fiscal year 2025-2026, which includes a general fund decrease of $786,000 from the previous year. Despite this reduction, the DOR reported a significant 15% increase in participants in its vocational rehabilitation program, now serving over 161,000 individuals.

Director Kim Rutledge emphasized the department's commitment to protecting core services while implementing necessary reductions, including the elimination of 66.5 positions, which will save approximately $11.4 million. The meeting also spotlighted the success of several one-time funded programs, notably the traumatic brain injury program, which expanded its reach from six to twelve sites, serving over 4,000 individuals since its inception.

In addition, the Community Living Fund has successfully transitioned 1,413 individuals from institutional settings to independent living, showcasing the program's effectiveness in preventing institutionalization. However, both the Community Living Fund and the integrated employment and recovery program, which has aided nearly 3,000 individuals, are set to expire in June 2025, raising concerns about future support for these vital services.

The Department of Aging also presented its budget, returning to a baseline funding level of $165 million, with a significant portion dedicated to nutrition programs for older adults. The department highlighted the importance of local assistance funding and the ongoing efforts to utilize federal home and community-based services funding effectively.

As the meeting concluded, the subcommittee members expressed interest in exploring continued funding for successful programs, particularly those addressing employment and recovery, indicating a proactive approach to ensuring ongoing support for vulnerable populations in California.