We are deeply concerned about the Medi-Cal cuts in Governor Newsom’s May budget revision. While we appreciate the Governor maintaining funding for the public health workforce that carries out critical functions like fighting the spread of infectious diseases, it's important to recognize that enabling low-income Californians to access a doctor’s office is also public health. As the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN) states in a letter to California lawmakers, the revised budget proposes to balance the budget on the backs of the state’s seniors, disabled and poor, undocumented residents. Public Health Advocates and more than 100 other organizations signed onto the letter, which you can view here: https://www.cpehn.org/assets/uploads/2025/05/CPEHN-May-Revise-Leave-Behind-05-14-25.pdf #MediCal #Medicaid #PublicHealth Governor Newsom CaGovernor (fb)

Statement on Governor Newsom's Revised 2025-26 Budget Proposal: “Public Health Advocates appreciates the Governor’s commitment to preserving critical investments in public health infrastructure, even in the face of a projected state budget deficit and the looming threat of federal funding reductions. We urge lawmakers to stand behind the public health workforce that makes prevention and response possible in every community. The Governor’s proposal maintains full funding for the Future of Public Health initiative, which provides critical funds for the local public health workforce and infrastructure. This decision reflects an understanding of the essential role that public health programs play in safeguarding our communities, particularly those most vulnerable. As the Trump administration threatens to slash funding for public health and other life-sustaining services, California’s continued investment in public health is imperative. As a lead organization of the Defend California campaign, we are committed to advocating for the preservation and enhancement of these vital services." — Harold Goldstein, Executive Director, Public Health Advocates For more information on our Defend California campaign, please visit defendcalifornia.org. (fb)