On Friday, June 13, California state lawmakers approved a budget proposal that would freeze enrollment in a state-funded health care program for immigrants without legal status. It’s part of the state and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to close a $12 billion deficit.
Medi-Cal program
Republican Assembly member Carl DeMaio said the budget cuts $11.2 billion in health care coverage for citizens, so $12.1 billion can go to health care for immigrants without legal status. DeMaio points to changes in the rules of the federal Medicaid program that impose a 10% penalty on federal funds for Medicaid in any state that provides health care to immigrants without legal status.
“Prioritizing illegal immigrants over your own citizens,” DeMaio said on the Assembly floor. “I would say I’m shocked, but it’s part and parcel with a lot of policies and rhetoric that I’ve seen from the other side in recent months.”
Democratic lawmakers said the enrollment freeze undermines California’s values and the state’s goal of universal health care…