January 9, 2026
Sacramento, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2026) – Today, the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) issued the following statement after Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is in his final year in office, unveiled his budget proposal for the fiscal year 2026-27:
“While the Governor’s proposed budget preserves some critical investments, it does not fully protect immigrant communities from the severe harms caused by the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant agenda and congressional cuts to health care and food assistance enacted under the federal budget bill, H.R. 1,” said Masih Fouladi, Executive Director of the California Immigrant Policy Center. “California was on a much stronger path toward health care for all in 2024, but recent budget decisions – including freezing Medi-Cal enrollment and proposing premiums – have already slowed that progress. This budget proposal would further push working immigrants, who are essential to California’s health care, food and caregiving systems, out of comprehensive coverage and into emergency-only care. The proposed budget also does nothing to address the nearly 75,000 immigrants who will soon lose their long-standing eligibility for federally-funded food assistance.
“At a moment of escalating, persistent and deadly federal attacks on immigrant communities, California cannot afford to retreat from its commitment to protect the safety of immigrant communities. This includes protecting access to food and health care – investments that strengthen our entire state. When immigrant families have the food they need and can see a doctor before they are in crisis, all Californians benefit through healthier communities, a more stable workforce and a stronger economy.
“At the same time, California must continue to invest in legal services, and other essential programs that help keep immigrant families united, healthy and strong. We will continue to fight for full-scope health care, access to food, strong due process protections and economic justice for all Californians, regardless of immigration status; and for a tax system that asks corporations and billionaires to finally pay their fair share.”
For additional analysis and comment on the governor’s proposed budget, CIPC will hold a news conference in Sacramento on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. More details will be announced soon.
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