January 7, 2019
Sacramento, CA — The Executive Director of the California Immigrant Policy Center, Cynthia Buiza, released the following statement today in response to comments from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Today, Governor Newsom made a historic commitment that takes us one step closer to upholding the vital principle that no human being should suffer or die from a treatable condition, no matter what they look like or where they were born.
Governor Newsom takes office in the wake of a historic election where Californians from all walks of life solidified our commitment to compassion and equality and rejected scapegoating and hate. The new Governor begins his term amidst growing pride in our state’s leadership and potential – and at the same time, amidst a worsening imbalance between rich and poor.
The hopes of immigrant Californians, who contribute powerfully to our state’s social and economic fabric, are one and the same with all working people, whether Black, Latinx, Indigenous, White, or API: a better future for our loved ones.
Making sure healthcare is affordable and accessible for every Californian, including undocumented community members whom the federal government has unjustly shut out of care, is essential to reaching that vision for our future. Today’s announcement is an historic step on the road toward health justice for all.
We also look forward to working with the new Governor and the legislature on a host of issues in order to solidify equity and inclusion for all Californians, including immigrants.
The California Immigrant Policy Center advocates for policies that recognize immigrants’ humanity and advance racial, social, and economic justice for all Californians, including immigrants. CIPC is the premiere immigrant rights institution in the state that promotes and protects safety, health and public benefits and integration programs for immigrants.