California Governor Proposes Increases For Health Spending, Spotlights Homelessness Crisis In Budget That Is ‘Reflection Of Our Values’
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared his $209 billion state budget proposal, of which health care accounts for nearly 30 percent, “a reflection of our values.” The governor projects a massive $21.5 billion surplus as growth slows for Medi-Cal. Now he must negotiate with the legislature on a final budget by June 15 — so some of these proposals are certain to change or be eliminated.
The Associated Press:
California Governor Offers $144B Budget, Sees Big Surplus
California Gov. Gavin Newsom released a state budget proposal Thursday that seemingly does it all — boosts spending toward his ambitious campaign promises and sets aside significant contributions toward debts and savings. It appears he can have his cake and eat it too because he's projecting a massive $21.5 billion surplus — far beyond anything the state has seen in nearly 20 years — as California collects more in taxes than predicted and growth slows for Medi-Cal, which provides health care for low-income people. (1/10)
Reuters:
California To Spend Big On Education, Healthcare In $144 Billion Budget
The budget also calls for an overall increase in health and human services spending of 8 percent over the current fiscal year, and $1 billion to double the state's earned income tax credit for low-income families. Subsidized premiums would be increased under Covered California, the state's version of Obamacare, while expanding Medi-Cal, the state's medical plan for the poor. The proposed Medi-Cal expansion would extend coverage to roughly 138,000 young adult immigrants, from age 19 through 25, who are in the country illegally. (1/10)
California Healthline:
Newsom Diverges Sharply From Washington With Health Care Budget
The progressive blueprint embraces a state health insurance mandate, beefed-up insurance subsidies, coverage for undocumented immigrants and six months of paid parental leave — not unexpected from a Democrat who campaigned on expanding health care and criticized President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans for eroding the Affordable Care Act. The new governor declared his $209 billion state budget proposal, of which health care accounts for nearly 30 percent, “a reflection of our values.” (Young and Ibarra, 1/11)
Capital Public Radio:
Newsom Proposes $144 Billion California Budget With Focus On Education, Building Reserves
He says he’ll fund the expansion with a statewide individual mandate, to replace the federal version the Trump administration eliminated. "With all due respect to the President of the United States, he's wrong. California is right," Newsom said. (Caiola, Adler and Nichols, 1/10)
LAist:
Newsom Wants To Make Big Moves On Housing, Education And Health Care — Without Spending Too Much
Newsom wants to expand Medi-Cal eligibility to young adults who qualify up to age 26, regardless of their immigration status. California already does this up to age 19. The governor's budget asks the legislature to approve $260 million a year to do this. Critics say the state shouldn't provide free or subsidized health insurance to people in the U.S. illegally, but with Democrats holding a supermajority in both houses of the state legislature and a governor actively pushing the idea, this proposal would seem to stand a good chance of becoming reality. (Plummer, 1/10)
Los Angeles Times:
Newsom Unveils A $209-Billion Budget To Boost Schools And Healthcare And Fight Poverty
“I know it’s rote and cliche to say it’s a reflection of our values, but it is a reflection of our values,” Newsom said of his budget. “It is demonstrable that these dollars attach to real people and real people’s lives.” (Myers, 1/10)
Los Angeles Times:
Gov. Gavin Newsom Threatens To Cut State Funding From Cities That Don't Approve Enough Housing
For 50 years, California has required cities and counties to plan for enough new housing so that residents can live affordably. But many local governments fail to approve new development, contributing to the state’s housing crunch. Now, Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing a radical new step: punishing communities that block homebuilding by withholding state tax dollars. (Dillon, 1/10)
KQED:
Gavin Newsom Looks To Spend And Save In First Budget Proposal
In a nod to the recent wildfires that have decimated California communities, Newsom also is proposing hundreds of millions in new spending on emergency response and preparedness, including new technology for Cal Fire and $60 million to start upgrading the state's antiquated 911 system. (Lago, Marzorati and Dembosky, 1/10)
Sacramento Bee:
What’s In Gavin Newsom’s 2019 Budget Proposal
The total proposal — including money earmarked for special purpose funds — tops $209 billion. That’s about $8 billion more than Brown’s final budget. (Bollag and Koseff, 1/10)