CA’s Massive Budget, Health Care For All Immigrants Unveiled

CALIFORNIA — Under Gov. Gavin Newsom's estimated $286.4 billion budget proposal, the governor aims to make California the first state to offer health coverage to all residents, regardless of immigration status.

The announcement came Monday morning as Newsom unveiled yet another gargantuan spending plan, which includes $23.8 billion more than the budget approved last year.

In 2019, the state began covering undocumented residents 26 and under, and those 55 and older last year. Newsom now urges state lawmakers to pass legislation that covers the rest of that cohort. Coverage would begin on Jan. 1, 2024.

The remaining cohort of uninsured immigrants was estimated to cost $2.4 billion per year, the Associated Press reported, citing a legislative analysis.

"Here’s the big one: California is poised to be, if this proposal is supported, the first state in the country to achieve universal access to health coverage,” Newsom said at a press conference on Monday.

The proposed health care access would include full-scope Medi-Cal, including long term and behavioral health care for all low-income Californians and undocumented residents.

California has more immigrants than any other state and is home to about 2 million undocumented residents, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

Another cascade of potential spending would be geared toward the governor's "California Blueprint," which outlines investments to alleviate challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, homelessness, the cost of living and high crime rates.

"As California’s robust recovery continues, we’re doubling down on our work to ensure all our communities can thrive," Newsom said.

The California Blueprint:
- Universal Pre-K
- Universal School Meals
- Highest per pupil spending ever
- More before, after, and summer school
- More arts and STEM programs
- More financial aid for college

All while keeping our classrooms safe.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 10, 2022

For a second year in a row, California will relish in a massive budget, made possible by the state's highest earners. Last year, the state enjoyed an estimated $80 billion in surplus money.

This year, the $286.4 billion budget builds on a $45.7 billion surplus, the governor said.

Ahead of Monday's announcements, Newsom also unveiled a $2.7 billion pandemic aid package to ramp up vaccines, boosters, medical personnel and testing as the state experiences a shortage.

Newsom in December also vowed to earmark $300 million to bolster law enforcement efforts and combat retail theft after several regions endured swaths of widespread organized retail theft over the holiday season.

READ MORE: Newsom Touts $300 Million Plan To Tackle Organized Theft

California leaders made some deep spending cuts to the state's budget in 2020, bracing for a $54.3 billion shortfall spurred by the pandemic — but that didn't happen. Instead, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled the state's most expensive budget in state history last year.

This year, the state continues to benefit from high earning residents, who have continued to flourish during the pandemic.

"With a surplus of over $45.7 BILLION — California is a model for the nation on how we can confront our greatest existential threats and make historic investments in our future," Newsom tweeted Monday. "We can lead with science and still have a successful economy."

READ MORE: Newsom's Relief Package Could Pay Rent, Parking Tickets For Some