Statement: Removal from Senate Budget Subcommittee 3 on Health and Human Services

SACRAMENTO - Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) released the statement below following her removal from Senate Budget Subcommittee 3 on Health and Human Services.

“Given my straightforward opposition to the proposed health cuts to just one demographic, I have been removed as a member of the budget subcommittee. I cannot in good conscience vote on several of the items up for consideration in today’s Budget Subcommittee 3 on Health and Human Services that target just one group. At a time when the federal administration is viciously attacking our immigrant communities at full force and proposing to rip health care away from millions of Americans, it is incomprehensible we would adopt budget items that further isolate and “others” certain Californians. In a state built on the blood and sweat of immigrant workers, how can we adopt items that discriminate against those who pick our food, care for our children and aging parents, and provide the services that enable us to prosper in our lives? And, at the same time NOT reprimand the companies that force their employees to be on Medi-Cal due to low wages and scheduling loopholes.

I have worked tirelessly in the past three years to protect the most vulnerable in Subcommittee 3 and am disappointed that I won’t be able to record my dissent. I will continue to stand by my communities and my priorities as an elected official to protect access to health care for all Californians.”

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