Saturday, July 11, 2009

California disability center returns staff bonuses

An account of the protests against the bonuses was reported in the San Jose Mercury News July 7.

From The AP:

FRESNO, Calif. -― A nonprofit is returning $500,000 in taxpayer money to the state, following criticism that the group spent the money on staff bonuses amid California's fiscal crisis.

In a special meeting on July 9, the Fresno-based Central Valley Regional Center's board voted to rescind the bonuses paid last week to its 350 employees. Officials had said the extra cash would help retain social workers.

The center manages training and support for people with mental retardation through a contract with the state Department of Developmental Services.

Center officials say they hope the funds can be earmarked for programs and services, some of which are threatened with drastic cuts in the governor's latest budget proposal.