Senator Caroline Menjivar Issues Statement On Governor Newsom’s Budget Proposal

SACRAMENTO – Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-Burbank and San Fernando Valley) released the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2023-24 budget proposal:

“As Chair of the Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services, I would first like to thank Governor Newsom for his continued dedication to improving life-sustaining health care programs in California, especially for our most vulnerable Californians. While honoring the California Legislature’s commitments to improving health programs, we must also fortify them and always accelerate progress, never slowing down.

The Governor’s budget sustains historic investments in mental health services. As a social worker, I understand firsthand the critical need to invest in supporting low-income children, families, and individuals with disabilities. I’m pleased the state will increase CalWORKs and SSP grants, and continue the multi-billion-dollar, multi-year commitment to protecting the behavioral health of our children in schools through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative.

This budget maintains our commitment to full-scope Medi-Cal coverage for all, regardless of immigration status. It includes funding for counties though the CARE Act, so they can deliver vital services to individuals with severe mental health or substance use disorders and help to get them off the streets. And, the state will proudly continue to strengthen access to abortion services and reproductive health care.

I also look forward to working with the Governor and my legislative colleagues to address critical issues which should not be delayed. These include meeting California’s goal of 200,000 new subsidized child care slots, investments in our health care workforce, and the expansion of the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to all Californians age 55 and older, regardless of immigration status.

During our budget subcommittee hearings, we will always keep at the forefront of our minds how these decisions affect the people of California in their daily lives and in the future. The state must make the necessary investments to ensure holistic health and human service programs are properly funded with equitable access for every person, across every district.”

CONTACT:  Celeste Jale - Celeste.Jale@sen.ca.gov