California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent budget proposal suggests diverting $1.6 billion from Proposition 35, aimed at boosting doctor pay for Medi-Cal patients, to help resolve a $12 billion state deficit. This move, opposed by health advocates and professionals, raises alarms about the potential weakening of the stateâs healthcare safety net, particularly for reproductive health services. Additionally, Gov. Newsom seeks to redirect $500 million from a tobacco tax intended for family planning. Critics argue these decisions could significantly impact access to care for low-income patients and strain existing healthcare services.
"Our footprint is so large in sexual and reproductive health care in California. There is no way for other clinics to absorb that," Hicks said.
"I couldn't believe it when I heard the proposal. Itâs shocking and plain cruel to harm the resources allocated for these critical services," Hicks emphasized.
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