California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism for proposing to cut a crucial health benefit for some disabled immigrants, a decision driven by the state’s $45 billion budget deficit.
Earlier this year, California expanded its Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, to provide free health insurance to over a million low-income adults, including those without legal immigration status.
Now, Newsom aims to save $94 million by ending in-home supportive services for disabled immigrants, a program that helps with daily tasks like cooking and cleaning, allowing them to stay out of nursing homes. This cut would affect fewer than 3,000 people but would prevent many more from qualifying in the future.
Critics, including advocacy groups and lawmakers, argue that this move breaks Newsom’s promises. David Kane from the Western Center on Law and Poverty called the proposal a betrayal, while Ronald Coleman Baeza of the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network described it as “indefensible.” State Senator Maria Elena Durazo warned it could lead to discriminatory treatment of undocumented individuals.
The in-home supportive services program has become more expensive due to rising caregiver wages and the end of some federal pandemic funding. Disabled individuals can hire caregivers, often family members, providing essential financial support.
For instance, Marvin Estela Pineda, who lost her eyesight to glaucoma, relies on her daughter Mayde, who is paid $16.50 per hour to care for her. Without this program, their family would face significant hardships.
The California Department of Social Services plans to help those affected find other government-funded programs, like Medi-Cal’s community-based adult services, to mitigate the impact.
Newsom defends the proposal as a necessary step to balance the budget. “We don’t find any joy in this — but we’ve got to do it, we have to be responsible,” he said.
These proposed cuts have strained Newsom’s relationship with his progressive supporters, who had praised him during times of budget surplus. The state Legislature, controlled by Democrats, intends to pass a budget by June 15 that would restore many of the proposed cuts by increasing a temporary business tax and reducing the prison budget.
Negotiations between Newsom and legislative leaders will continue to finalize the budget by the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. While the Legislature will vote on the budget, Newsom’s approval is crucial, as he has the power to sign it into law.