So, last week Governor Gavin Newsom dropped a bombshell by revealing his revised state budget. And let me tell you, it did not sit well with some big interest groups who usually have his back. They were not shy about expressing their displeasure, flooding reporters’ inboxes with statements criticizing Newsom’s proposed spending cuts.
The loudest objections came from advocates for the poor and elderly. They were up in arms over Newsom’s plan to scale back Medi-Cal health care for undocumented immigrants, along with imposing $100 monthly premiums, cutting benefits, restricting at-home care, and tightening benefit qualifications. The California Budget and Policy Center, a left-leaning organization, slammed the budget proposal for failing to provide enough resources to support vulnerable Californians in crucial areas like health care, housing, and food assistance.
But wait, there’s more. Public employee unions were also not happy with Newsom’s decision to hold back on state worker raises, while city and county officials were miffed about the lack of grants for homelessness. And let’s not forget the medical care providers who were against Newsom’s Medi-Cal restrictions and his move to divert funds from a health care tax approved by voters. It’s safe to say that Governor Newsom is not winning any popularity contests with this budget.
