Abstract
The California state budget crisis of 2008 required state legislators to make numerous fiscal cuts to public health care services. These services play an integral part in the development of children between the ages of zero and five years. The purpose of this study is to explore how state budget cuts have impacted the public health care services utilized by children ages zero to five in Sacramento County. Sources of Data The study was an exploratory study. The researcher conducted twelve face to face interviews with health care agency administrators and two with clients who utilize their services. Data was analyzed for prevalent themes related to the impact of budget cuts on services and programs, employees of the agencies, and the clientele. Conclusions Reached The findings from this study revealed that health care services for children ages zero to five years old have been minimally impacted by the 2008 economic crisis. On the other hand, health care programs serving uninsured and underinsured adults have been negatively impacted as a result of recent budget cuts in the state of California.