California's Tough Choices: Balancing the Budget on the Backs of Immigrants

California is in a tough spot. The state has a $12 billion hole in its budget. To fill it, Governor Gavin Newsom and lawmakers had to make some hard choices. One of the biggest changes? Rolling back healthcare for low-income immigrants without legal status. Starting in 2026, California will stop taking new patients for this program. And in 2027, some immigrants will have to pay a $30 monthly fee to stay on the plan. This is a big step back from the state's goal of universal healthcare. It's also a blow to immigrant communities who rely on this support. The budget also cuts funding for mental health hotlines and dental services for low-income people. But it does keep funding for in-home care for disabled and low-income residents. And it avoids cuts to Planned Parenthood.The state is also dealing with potential federal cuts to healthcare and economic uncertainty. Newsom estimates federal policies could cost California $16 billion in tax revenue. Republicans say the budget doesn't do enough to address future deficits. They also criticize Democrats for not including them in budget talks. But Democrats say they've balanced the budget without raising taxes on everyday Californians. The budget also includes money for firefighting efforts and public safety initiatives. But advocates say it's not enough to fully address these issues. And while the budget boosts funding for Hollywood, it doesn't provide new money for cities and counties to tackle homelessness. It also doesn't act on Newsom's proposal for a massive water tunnel project.