Equality California released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision proposal for the 2025–2026 state budget, which would have detrimental impacts on already underserved communities:
“We are deeply concerned by the Governor’s revised budget proposal, which would roll back critical support for some of California’s most vulnerable communities—particularly undocumented immigrants, older adults, people with disabilities, and those who rely on access to reproductive healthcare.
The Governor’s proposal to restrict healthcare access for undocumented adults and cut funding to trusted providers like Planned Parenthood poses a direct threat to the health and dignity of vulnerable Californians. These changes would disproportionately impact undocumented people and LGBTQ+ communities—many of whom already face systemic barriers to care. Planned Parenthood is a critical provider of inclusive, affirming services—including reproductive healthcare, contraception, STI testing and treatment, and gender-affirming care. Weakening Medi-Cal and defunding providers like Planned Parenthood would strip thousands of Californians of the care they need to live healthy lives.
We recognize that California faces a serious budget shortfall—one made worse by Donald Trump and House Republicans’ efforts to dismantle the federal safety net, reward the wealthy, and escalate attacks on LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and reproductive freedom. But we cannot solve this crisis by shifting the burden onto those already facing disproportionate harm. California must lead with its values by protecting funding for lifesaving programs and the community-based organizations that deliver them.
We urge the Legislature to reject these harmful proposals and instead work with the Governor to deliver a budget that doesn’t abandon our most vulnerable—but affirms California’s commitment to equity, dignity, and justice for all.”
