June 24, 2025
Contact: Julian Gonzalez, (916) 213-5125
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN) responded with profound disappointment Governor Newsom, Senate President pro Tem McGuire and Assembly Speaker Rivas released a budget agreement that legislates discrimination, ending dental coverage for immigrant families and imposing new monthly health care fees on Californians based only on their immigration status.
Kiran Savage-Sangwan, CPEHN Executive Director, said the following:
“The Governor and Legislators’ hypocritical budget harms the very people they so vociferously claim to care about protecting: farmworkers whose seasonal jobs make staying enrolled in Medi-Cal difficult, parents who will sacrifice their own health rather than take food off their kids’ table, Californians who will go to work in garment factories, food processing plants, and restaurants, supporting our economy even as they suffer from decaying and broken teeth.
“Even as their budget scores hundreds of millions in savings from reducing Medi-Cal enrollment among immigrant Californians, California leaders claim no one will lose health care. For communities already under attack from racist and authoritarian forces in Washington, DC, health equity isn’t just a buzz word; it’s our lives are on the line. This budget worsens health disparities – by design.
“CPEHN will keep telling the truth about this budget – and hold California leaders accountable for its impacts at every opportunity. We refuse to be silent when we know that Californians in our immigrant communities will get sicker and die as a result of these health care cuts.
“We will keep demanding real leadership that stands for California’s values, rather than sacrificing immigrants for political expediency. It’s time to ask more of corporations exploiting tax loopholes and those paying workers so little they’re forced to rely on our safety net.”
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About the California Pan Ethnic Health Network
The California Pan Ethnic Health Network brings together and mobilizes communities of color to advocate for public policies that advance health equity and improve health outcomes in our communities. Learn more at cpehn.org.