FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Robert Nunez,
rnunez@lchc.org
California Budget Cannot Be Balanced on the Backs of Latine and Immigrant Communities
Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC) condemns proposed cuts to Medi-Cal and safety net programs that save the lives of Latine, immigrant, and underserved communities who fuel California’s economy.
(Sacramento, CA) – Today, Governor Newsom released the 2025–2026 May Revision to the state budget amid growing threats of federal funding cuts to California. While the Governor has previously committed to expanding healthcare access for all Californians, this year’s proposal signals a dangerous shift. His proposed freezes – essentially cuts – to the hard-fought Medi-Cal expansions pose serious threats to Latines and immigrants across the state who rely on these benefits as a lifeline, and we urge legislative leaders to reject these proposals.
The world’s fourth largest economy is balancing its budget on the backs of Latines and immigrants by proposing cuts to healthcare and requiring payments by families and individuals who are already having to make difficult decisions to either pay rent or put food on the table. This is not only inequitable, it is unconscionable.
“This budget revision is a stark departure from California’s equity commitments,” said Dr. Seciah Aquino, Executive Director of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC). “At a time when communities are still grappling with the effects of the pandemic, stripping away Medi-Cal protections and underfunding and delaying the safety net is unconscionable. Scaling back Medi-Cal and safety net programs is not only short-sighted—it’s harmful to our state’s long-term public health and security. California cannot continue to call itself a leader in equity while proposing cuts that will deepen poverty, limit access to care, and exacerbate health disparities. ”
Medi-Cal serves 40% of California’s population, that is over 15 million Californians – over half of which are Latine. Latine and immigrant communities are powerful contributors to our California economy. Latines contribute over $83 billion in CA state taxes, and in 2024 our California Latine GDP was $935.2 billion. Immigrants contribute $51.4 billion in California state taxes, and undocumented Californians contribute over $8.5 billion in state taxes. Immigrant communities aren’t asking for handouts—they’re asking for the care, dignity, and access they deserve. Cutting access to care puts families at greater risk of unmanaged chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma—conditions that already disproportionately impact Latine communities. LCHC calls on state lawmakers to reject any budget proposal that undermines our shared values and the health of the entire state.
Additionally, we urge the Governor and the Legislature to seek solutions that will hold all entities, including corporate entities, accountable to pay their fair share to California.
Federal Threats
We acknowledge that California’s fiscal outlook is still evolving, with the full impact of federal budget shifts yet to be realized in the months ahead. In this moment of uncertainty, California has both the opportunity and the responsibility to uphold its core values: equity, inclusion, and a deep commitment to public health.
We urge the Governor and legislature to protect the progress we’ve made and shield health equity from the pressures of fiscal uncertainty and harmful federal actions that threaten California’s values. We look forward to continued conversations to move us back towards an equitable solution. Now is the time to lead with courage and put people first.
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About LCHC:
Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC)— is the leading statewide policy organization with a specific emphasis on Latine & Indigenous health. For over 33 years, LCHC has worked on transforming systems to achieve health justice. We pride ourselves in translating community solutions into equitable policy and lasting systemic change. Our work focuses on legislative and administrative advocacy, people power and narrative change.
