A break in the California Legislature’s budget impasse means relief could be around the corner for providers of healthcare to low-income and uninsured Santa Barbara residents. Some providers have not received state funds since the fiscal year ended 7/1. Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, which benefits from various state healthcare grants in addition to being a Medi-Cal provider, was forced to tap credit lines to keep their doors open. California currently owes the clinics $500,000. (/clinic918)
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Ambulance drivers and emergency response workers contracted with American Medical Response (AMR) announced they intend to go on strike on 9/23 after rejecting management’s latest offer of a 13 percent raise. AMR management is seeking to assure local government officials that services will not be affected. Its 94 employees work throughout the county, except in Vandenberg Village, New Cuyama, and at UCSB. (/amr918)