For Immediate Release:
Contact: Robert Nunez, rnunez@lchc.org
The Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC) Statement on the Governor’s 2025 Budget Proposal
The Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC) commends Governor Newsom’s commitment to maintaining funding for critical health coverage and urges the administration to defend and increase investments in health in light of uncertainty at the federal level.
(Sacramento, CA) – On Friday, Governor Newsom’s administration unveiled the proposed $322 billion state budget for 2025–2026, projecting a modest surplus. The Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC) applauds Governor Newsom’s unwavering commitment to maintaining funding for critical health coverage and urges the administration to expand investments in health equity amid federal uncertainty.
LCHC emphasizes the importance of prioritizing resources to sustain vital health and safety net programs, particularly as federal policies may pose significant threats. The incoming Trump administration’s anti-immigrant agenda could imperil California’s diverse communities, and federal cuts to crucial programs like Medicaid could undermine the nation’s health infrastructure. LCHC calls on the Newsom administration to safeguard California’s health equity investments, ensuring that all residents have access to essential health services, regardless of federal leadership.
The Governor’s budget reaffirms California’s dedication to the full expansion of Medi-Cal, which guarantees healthcare access to all income-eligible individuals, regardless of immigration status or age. LCHC commends this initiative and is eager to collaborate with the administration to strengthen Medi-Cal’s infrastructure and maximize federal flexibilities. These investments are pivotal for creating a healthier, more equitable California.
“We commend the Governor’s steadfast commitment to protecting California’s progress by prioritizing funding for critical health equity programs for all Californians,” said Dr. Seciah Aquino, Executive Director of LCHC. As a community, we are at a pivotal moment. Latino & Indigenous health remains fragile in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by escalating climate crises, and the impending transition to xenophobic leadership at the federal level. These challenges underscore the urgent need to intentionally and boldly invest in health equity and the protection of low income communities. Doing so is not only essential for the well-being of our communities but also vital to ensuring our collective health and economy remain resilient.”
Recommendations to Ensure Health Equity for Latine and Indigenous Californians
While LCHC acknowledges the Governor’s dedication to health equity, the state must make additional investments to sustain and enhance progress:
- Continuous Medi-Cal Coverage
Federal flexibilities reduce barriers to confirming income information for Medi-Cal recipients who continue to be eligible for the program. LCHC urges the Newsom administration to make permanent the utilization of federal flexibilities that automate Medi-Cal renewals, including funding continuous coverage for children ages 0 to 5. - Support for Community Health Workers and Promotoras (CHW/P/Rs)
Reinstate rate increases for CHW/P/Rs, trusted health equity advocates who bridge critical gaps in Latine and immigrant communities. With potential federal challenges to health information access, California must bolster this workforce to deliver accurate and culturally responsive healthcare support. - Legal Protections for Privacy and Information
Amid an anti-immigrant federal agenda, California must invest in infrastructure to protect the privacy and legal security of families and individuals, fostering trust in state and safety net programs. - Climate Crisis Investments
As climate change disproportionately impacts Latine and other communities of color, California must protect and expand investments in disaster recovery and climate resilience. The recent fires in Los Angeles County underscore the urgent need for equitable recovery initiatives to support affected workers and families.
As we witness the damage from the fires burning across Los Angeles County, we are again reminded that Latine communities are often disproportionately impacted by disasters. Latines represent almost half of the population of Los Angeles County and have an essential presence across hospitality, food service, and private domestic workforce across the affected areas; many face loss of their housing and employment and face disproportionate impacts on their health.
We look forward to collaborating with the legislature and administration to create a budget that centers equity in recovery efforts, defends our communities, honors the contributions of immigrants, enhances and protects our public health workforce, and truly represents Californian values.
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About LCHC:
Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC)—the only statewide policy organization specifically emphasizing Latine health—was founded by healthcare providers, consumers, and advocates in 1992 to impact Latino health by focusing on policy development, providing enhanced information, and community involvement.
