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SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) today shared these comments about the nearly $356 billion State Budget adopted Monday by the State Assembly and the State Senate:
“I and my California Legislature colleagues are facing difficult and challenging budget choices, triggered by the Trump administration’s destructive decision to withhold billions of dollars to support safety net programs in our state – a move that hurts our most vulnerable Californians, especially children.
“Given this dire situation, I voted for the 2026-27 State budget put before the Assembly on Monday because I greatly appreciate that legislative leaders worked diligently to preserve vital services and programs, particularly in health care and human services.
“For me, trust is what really matters. Our State budget cannot be balanced on the backs of the poor and the powerless.
“In the past decade we’ve built trust with our communities. California made significant strides to increase access to health care by expanding full scope Medi-Cal to all income-eligible adults, regardless of immigration status, people who pay their fair share of taxes and contribute to our state’s economy. We’ve also done more to protect seniors and people with disabilities.
“We do our best to uplift neglected and underserved communities because, in California, we believe no one should be left behind. The Assembly majority on Monday rejected or delayed cuts that would inflict hardship on people and their families. It rejected or delayed budget reductions in Medi-Cal, a top priority for me. As an emergency room doctor, I saw too often what happens when, out of desperation, a patient who couldn’t afford health insurance sought emergency care as a last resort. Too often it cost them time away from the work that supported their families. Or, too often, that patient died, leaving behind a grieving family with an uncertain future.
“So the budget we adopted isn’t simply numbers and dollar signs to me. We rejected proposed cuts to Adult Protective Services and to In-Home Supportive Services. We wanted to do more to protect immigrant communities, to increase investments in education and childcare, and to address the need for more low-income housing while reducing homelessness.
“This plan strives to rectify, soften, or delay other reductions that could only lead to more stressful financial strain on people and programs. When everyone moves forward, the economic vigor of our state is strengthened. We must find financial solutions that safeguard the long-term future of California and everyone who calls our state their home.
“More discussions will happen in the days ahead with Governor Newsom and his office to finalize a budget. I am hopeful we can come together so that ALL Californians are ensured access, inclusion, and opportunity.”
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