Public Pleads With San Francisco Supervisors Over Budget Cuts

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — The public had only one opportunity to weigh in on Mayor Ed Lee's $6.8 million budget and that's exactly what they did Friday at a packed San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting.

The hearing painted a painful picture of the impact of the city's fiscal crisis and the public pleaded for reversal to cuts in housing programs, health care and other social services.

Advocates in a variety of areas lined up to make their voices heard.

One woman speaking on behalf of the homeless said they are at the absolute breaking point in terms of homeless safety net services.

Another man spoke out for those affected with HIV.

"We do HIV counseling; make sure people remain in care. A direct cut to these services means people will not get their needs met," he said.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:

Advocates for community art programs, the ballet, symphony and opera also turned out in droves. One man added that the arts are not just saving children, but is saving lives.

Some of the cuts may be restored if savings can be found elsewhere in the budget, but many of these programs will probably just have to make due with less.

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