Newsom Budget Cuts: Immigrant & Health Rights Opposition
- — California health and immigrant rights advocates are condemning Gov.Gavin Newsom's proposed changes to the state's health care initiative.The May budget revision includes a freeze on Medi-Cal enrollment...
- The proposed changes have sparked outrage among advocates who champion #Health4All Californians, nonetheless of immigration status.They view the move as a notable step backward from the state's commitment...
- “These cuts are reckless and unconscionable," said Amanda McAllister-Wallner, executive director of Health Access California.
Newsom’s budget cuts are under fire. Health and immigrant rights advocates are fiercely opposing proposed changes too California’s health care,which would freeze Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented adults and potentially introduce a monthly premium for low-income immigrants in 2026. They decry this as a step backward, a betrayal of the state’s commitment to worldwide health care, and a blow to vulnerable communities. The primarykeyword is immigrant rights and secondarykeyword is health care.Leading organizations like Health Access California and the California Immigrant Policy Center are urging state legislators to reject the cuts, emphasizing the negative impacts on emergency rooms, insurance premiums, and hospital costs. They highlight that a majority of California voters back Medi-Cal for all, regardless of federal threats.News Directory 3 is keeping tabs on the story.Discover what’s next as the state legislature debates these crucial changes.
California Advocates Decry Newsom’s Proposed Health Care Cuts
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California health and immigrant rights advocates are condemning Gov.Gavin Newsom’s proposed changes to the state’s health care initiative.The May budget revision includes a freeze on Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented adult Californians, set to begin in January. Moreover, a $100 monthly premium for low-income undocumented residents could be implemented in 2026 to maintain access to care.
The proposed changes have sparked outrage among advocates who champion #Health4All Californians, nonetheless of immigration status.They view the move as a notable step backward from the state’s commitment to universal health care coverage.
“These cuts are reckless and unconscionable,” said Amanda McAllister-Wallner, executive director of Health Access California. “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.”
McAllister-Wallner added that the cuts echo Republican talking points and will negatively impact all Californians.She argued that emergency rooms will become overburdened, commercial insurance premiums will rise, and hospitals will face uncompensated costs.
“We are outraged by the governor’s proposal to limit access to medi-Cal,” said Masih Fouladi, executive director of the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC). “This harms immigrant families already facing federal attacks and rising economic pressures.”
Fouladi emphasized that California should protect vulnerable communities, especially as federal support diminishes. She noted that a majority of California voters support Medi-cal for all, even amid federal funding threats.
Advocates are urging Newsom to reconsider the proposed cuts and engage directly with immigrant communities. They stand ready to collaborate with state leaders to ensure continued access to Medi-Cal for all Californians, promoting health and economic stability.
What’s next
State legislators will now consider the budget proposal, with advocates pushing for a rejection of the proposed Medi-Cal cuts. The debate over California’s commitment to universal health care and immigrant health will likely continue.