Governor Newsom’s budget is a huge blow to the state’s efforts towards universal health care coverage – a goal that Governor Newsom once lauded
Advocates call on state legislators to reject proposed budget cuts
SACRAMENTO, CA — Health and immigrant rights advocates, and leaders in the movement towards #Health4All Californians, regardless of immigration status, released the following statements today following the announcement that Governor Newsom will walk back his signature health care initiative. The May Revision to the budget proposes to freeze enrollment for undocumented adults in Medi-Cal starting in January, and add a $100/month premium for low-income undocumented Californians to access their care starting in 2026.
“These cuts are reckless and unconscionable. This is a betrayal of the Governor’s commitment to California immigrants, and an abandonment of his legacy, which brought California so close to universal health care,” said Amanda McAllister-Wallner, Executive Director of Health Access California. “At a time when our health care and immigrant communities are under attack from the federal government, we should be able to take our California elected officials at their word that they will protect our communities. Instead what we got was the same tired talking points we’re hearing from Congressional Republicans.
“Taking money out of the pockets of low-income immigrant families to access basic care isn’t going to fix the state’s budget problems, but it will mean more Californians living sicker, unable to work and support their families, and going to the ER for preventable conditions,” continued Amanda. “Every Californian will bear the brunt of these cuts as emergency rooms get further overburdened, commercial insurance premiums spike, and hospitals are again left uncompensated for providing necessary care. We call on our state legislators to fully reject these cuts and keep our signature efforts towards universal coverage alive.”
“We are outraged by the governor’s proposal to limit access to Medi-Cal — a move that harms immigrant families who are already facing federal attacks and rising economic pressures,” said CIPC Executive Director Masih Fouladi. “At a time when Trump and House Republicans are pushing to slash the federal safety net while extending tax cuts for the wealthy, California must lead by protecting — not weakening — support for vulnerable communities.
“California voters agree: 57% support Medi-Cal for all, even amid threats by Trump to cut funding to the state. Access to Medi-Cal for all Californians is essential for our state’s long-term health and economic stability.
“We urge the Governor to engage directly with immigrant communities and protect funding for Medi-Cal. We stand ready to work with him and state leaders to ensure immigrant families are safe and healthy through continued inclusion in Medi-Cal.”
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CONTACT:
Health Access California: Rachel Linn Gish, 916.532.2128, rlinngish@health-access.org
California Immigrant Policy Center: Ed Sifuentes, 213.250.0880 ext. 116, esifuentes@caimmigrant.org
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