Bo Tefu | California Black Media
California Lawmakers Approve $2.8 Billion to Strengthen Medi-Cal, Expanding Access to Health Care
California lawmakers have approved a $2.8 billion funding boost to Medi-Cal, the state’s low-income health insurance program, to cover higher-than-expected costs before the fiscal year ends. Passed April 10 as part of a budget trailer bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 100, the allocation unlocks $8.3 billion in federal funds and follows a $3.4 billion emergency loan to the program earlier this year.
Medi-Cal, which serves around 15 million residents, has faced surging costs due to expensive pharmaceutical drugs, lingering COVID-era policies, and a larger-than-anticipated caseload. The total Medi-Cal budget for 2024 was $161 billion.
While Democrats supported the funding as essential, many Republicans opposed the measure, criticizing its support for undocumented immigrants. Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) called the move “reckless,” claiming it lacked accountability. However, Democrats argue that providing coverage is more cost-effective than relying on emergency room visits.
“This is a modest investment compared to the full Medi-Cal budget,” said Senate Budget Committee Chair Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), emphasizing the cost-saving potential of proactive wellness and preventive care.
In addition to Medi-Cal funding, the bill included emergency support for areas impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County and $181 million in environmental bond funding for forest resilience projects.
Republicans proposed several amendments, including expanding firefighting positions, funding the voter-approved Proposition 36, and protecting scholarships for middle-class college students. However, all of the proposals were dismissed without a vote. Those lawmakers indicated that they are committed to revisiting these issues during budget discussions later this year.
Some Democrats also expressed concern over Medi-Cal’s sustainability. Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) called for a reimagining of the system to ensure affordability while maintaining access for all residents statewide.
Library Lawsuit: California Sues Trump Administration Over Funding Cuts
Two days before National Library Week began April 7, California announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the abrupt termination of millions in federal grants supporting critical state library programs.
When Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit on April 4, they made the case that the administration unlawfully moved to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) — the federal agency responsible for administering these funds.
The lawsuit contends that Trump’s Executive Order No. 14238 is part of a broader illegal effort to dismantle several agencies established by Congress, including IMLS. The cuts threaten over $15 million in annual federal funding to California libraries, which supports vital services such as literacy and language tutoring, summer reading programs, the Career Online High School initiative, and accessible formats for visually impaired readers.
“Libraries are more than just buildings with books. They are community anchors,” said Newsom. “This is an attack on community learning and opportunity, and we’re fighting back.”
Bonta emphasized the role libraries play in civic engagement and digital access, especially for underserved populations. “These are hubs of learning and connection. We will not stand by while essential public services are stripped away.”
The suit is backed by attorneys general from 20 other states.
California’s State Library system — comprising more than 1,100 libraries — relies on IMLS funding for a range of services from broadband access to disaster preparedness and teen programs. Officials warn that without these funds, many positions and programs could be lost.
This library lawsuit marks California’s 12th legal challenge against the Trump administration.
