Governor Newsom’s May Revision of the proposed 2025-26 state budget, unveiled late Wednesday morning, presents a dangerous vision for California spending, one that will cause tremendous harm, and one that is deeply unaligned with the real needs and desires of the vast majority of Californians. DRC stands in resolute opposition to this vision; we value the protection and care of all marginalized and disadvantaged peoples, and our community experience holds that any perceived short-term budget relief that may come from slashing the social safety net only leads to greater harm and greater challenges down the road.

While we understand the reality of budget shortfalls and that cuts will sometimes be necessary, the priorities and reality of this May Revision are even worse than what we imagined. It demonstrates a continued willingness on the part of the Governor to sacrifice the health and human services of California’s people, particularly the disabled, poor, and elderly populations of this abundant state.

Most alarming for the communities DRC protects and advocates on behalf of are the significant healthcare cuts proposed, targeting primarily Medi-Cal and In-Home Support Services. The Governor proposes the reinstatement of the Medi-Cal asset limit for disabled adults and seniors of $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple, a restriction that effectively demands extreme poverty in order to continue receiving critical health care. Additionally, the asset limit effects all disability-based Medi-Cal eligibility programs – including In-Home Support Services. DRC and many others fought tirelessly for years to get this asset limit eliminated, finding it to be a deeply inhumane and punitive approach, the change just went fully into effect in 2024, and it is truly disturbing to see the Governor reverse course so quickly.

The May Revision also proposes a total enrollment freeze and newly instituted premiums for individuals “without satisfactory immigration status,” as well as the elimination of IHSS benefits for this same population. While this week has seen the Governor employ political doublespeak like his desire to “expand access to effective care” the stark realities of his proposal mirror the cruelty we are contending with at the national stage. The damage to Medi-Cal will gravely harm many Californians, and the reduction of IHSS reflects the horrifying national drive away from self-determination and autonomy and regression towards bare institutionalization. We do not believe these cuts to Medi-Cal and IHSS will produce the Governor’s desired savings, but the human cost will be immense.

Coupled with this week’s model ordinances demanding more aggressive and cruel sweeps of homeless encampments across the state, the May Revision continues Gov. Newsom’s ineffective and catastrophic policy approach to caring for his constituents. Taking away what little services, assets, and safety exist for disabled, poor, and vulnerable people will only compound in greater cruelty and immiseration for California. We stand firm that if this week’s proposals are enacted they will prove both materially harmful and politically foolish. It must be named that this revision contains the directives and priorities of the Governor’s office alone and we strongly advocate for a correction in these priorities and values as the proposal is metabolized by the legislature toward a final budget.

Media Contact

Sam Mickens
Director of Communications
(646) 945-0918
Sam.Mickens@disabilityrightsca.org

Disability Rights California (DRC) – Is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of DRC is to defend, advance, and strengthen the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. For more information visit: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org.