For Immediate Release:
Contact: Robert Nunez, rnunez@lchc.org
The Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC) Statement on the California 2024-2025 Budget
The Latine and Indigenous Disparities Reduction Act was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee. As federal changes to Race and Ethnicity Standards advance, California misses an opportunity to deepen its understanding of the needs of Latino and Indigenous populations.
(Sacramento, CA) Yesterday, the Governor signed the 2024-2025 budget agreement that protects many safety net programs that are essential for Latine and Indigenous Californians. Unfortunately, this budget negotiation was also a chilling reminder that during economic challenges, progressive public health & safety-net programs and funding for policies that protect vulnerable low-income communities of color continue to be first in line to be cut. California, as the fifth largest economy in the world, must increase revenues rather than slash programs that protect vulnerable low-income communities of color.
We applaud the preservation of critical health equity investments, including keeping Health4All Medi-Cal expansions intact, continuous coverage for children 0-5, and In-Home Support Services for anyone regardless of immigration status. We also celebrate rate increases for Community Health Workers/Promotores/Representatives who are at the front line of public health in our communities. Unfortunately, previously hard-fought essential investments such as Food4All and our healthcare workforce continue to be delayed.
“We are pleased to see that the final budget safeguards essential health equity programs and services. This was due to the efforts of countless public health advocates and the commitment of healthcare champions in the legislature to protect the most vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Seciah Aquino, LCHC’s Executive Director. “However, negotiating between budget cuts is not how we make sound policy. We shouldn’t have to choose which Californians go hungry, which go uninsured, or which get mental health support. We must take advantage of our economic privilege and protect policies that benefit vulnerable people. Not just the bottom line.’
However, these investments depend on passing a ballot initiative on managed care organizations left to voters in November. Although we commend the Legislature and the Governor on preserving funding for health equity programs and services, the conditional status of these investments leaves the health of underserved Californians in uncertainty. Unless this is addressed, we will continue to be left with equally restrictive annual budgets.
Though we will continue to have budget challenges ahead, LCHC will continue to work with the legislature and the administration to advance budget and policy solutions that reflect the communities we serve and move us closer to health equity for Latine and Indigenous communities.
—————————-
About LCHC:
Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC)—the only statewide policy organization with a specific emphasis on Latinx health—was founded by health care providers, consumers and advocates in 1992 to impact Latino health by focusing on policy development, providing enhanced information, and community involvement.
