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Health Commission reappointments draw scrutiny as supervisors and public warn of deep budget cuts
Summary
Commission appointees David Sanchez and Catherine Waters defended the Department of Public Health’s priorities as supervisors and community members warned that midyear and upcoming cuts will erode HIV-prevention and other safety-net services.
The Rules Committee heard extended testimony and public comment on reappointments to the Health Commission, with appointee David Sanchez and commissioner Catherine Waters outlining priorities as the Department of Public Health faces midyear reductions and a larger budget shortfall.
David Sanchez told the committee the commission is trying to shield core public-health functions from erosion, but acknowledged that cuts have already affected services. "The commission has accepted the cuts, but with reservation," Sanchez said, adding that the commission will continue to review reductions and may publicly oppose cuts that undermine mandated care.
Supervisor David Campos and other supervisors pressed the commission on oversight and community engagement, particularly over cuts to HIV-prevention programs. "When times get tough, that's when the safety net needs to be there," Campos said, urging more visible opposition to cuts that harm vulnerable populations.
Commissioner Waters described the health commission’s budget principles, which prioritize vulnerable populations, and said commissioners are returning cuts to the department for further justification when proposals do not include a rationale tied to those principles. Waters also said the commission has established an "effectiveness group" to engage service providers and community organizations outside of formal public comment to gather input prior to cuts being finalized.
Public speakers representing community organizations argued the city must maintain prevention and treatment programs. Eric Brooks of Our City and the San Francisco Green Party asked the commission to be explicit about taking the precautionary principle in public-health controversies and to support stronger enforcement where industrial exposures are alleged.
What’s next: The committee forwarded the primary health commission reappointment item with a recommendation to the full Board and tabled the paired "reject" item, while supervisors said they will continue oversight through upcoming budget hearings.
