California lawmakers passed a $211 billion budget for 2024-25, rejecting Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed cuts to in-home support services for low-income elderly, blind, and disabled immigrants without legal status, while negotiations with the governor continue amid the state’s $45 billion deficit.
California Lawmakers Pass $211 Billion Budget – Defying Governor’s In-Home Support Cuts
According to the article of KFF Health News, California lawmakers recently approved a $211 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, going against Governor Gavin Newsom‘s proposal to cut in-home support for low-income elderly, blind, and disabled immigrants without legal status. Despite a $45 billion deficit, Democratic legislators managed funds from reserves and adjusted corporate taxes to protect health and social services, rejecting Newsom’s cuts. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel stressed the budget’s focus on safeguarding essential safety-net programs that support vulnerable groups in Sacramento.
While the budget reflects an agreement between the Senate and Assembly, negotiations with Governor Newsom are ongoing, and it’s uncertain if he’ll use his veto power to address California’s financial challenges. Newsom’s plan to eliminate a new in-home benefit for qualified immigrants faced strong opposition, prompting California lawmakers to preserve the program and reject cuts to public health agencies. However, they agreed to delay food assistance for low-income older immigrants without legal status, highlighting the complexities of budget negotiations.
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$211 Billion Budget Secured: California Lawmakers Defy Governor’s Plans to Cut Aid to Low-Income Immigrants (PHOTO: Capital Public Radio)
Supporters Applaud California’s Protection of In-Home Care Amid Budget Talks
Advocates commended California lawmakers for protecting the In-Home Supportive Services program, which provides vital home care to vulnerable groups, preventing more expensive institutional care. They argued against cuts, citing significant cost differences between nursing home care and in-home support services. As discussions continue, stakeholders await Newsom’s decisions on final budget adjustments and their impact on Medi-Cal recipients and undocumented immigrants across California.
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