- Noah Marty
- Legislative/Communications Assistant
- Noah.Marty@asm.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO, CA — Advocacy groups and community-based organizations across California are praising Budget Chair Jesse Gabriel and Assembly Democrats’ newly released Road Map to a Responsible and Compassionate Budget — a framework centered on protecting essential safety-net programs, uplifting affordability, and preparing for future economic uncertainty.
The budget priorities outline the Assembly’s approach to defend health care access, food assistance programs and housing investments, while strengthening the state’s rainy-day fund and avoiding major new ongoing spending.
As Californians face rising costs and continued economic instability driven by actions from President Trump and Republicans in Washington, statewide organizations say the Assembly’s framework reflects California values and a commitment to protecting our economy and essential public services.
Praise for the Assembly’s Budget Priorities
“We thank Assembly Democrats for prioritizing safety net programs like Medi-Cal Dental, which is relied upon by millions of California children. By drawing a line in the sand for the protection of programs such as children’s dental care, we hope the Assembly will work with the Senate to adopt a strong stance in restoring critical Medi-Cal Dental funding. “Children and families deserve care they can depend on every year. We urge the Assembly to work with its colleagues in the Senate to protect kids’ health and prioritize Medi-Cal Dental for children.” — Hands Off Kids’ Health Coalition
“We appreciate the Assembly’s commitment to protecting California’s safety net. We’re ready to work with the governor and Legislature to preserve essential health care and food support for vulnerable Californians.” — California State Association of Counties
“CalNonprofits applauds Assembly Democrats for putting forward a Budget Roadmap that prioritizes the essential services nonprofits deliver every day. In a year of tough choices, this plan recognizes nonprofits as critical partners in delivering services. From survivors supported through VOCA, to families accessing CalFood, to communities receiving security grants, these investments will give millions of vulnerable Californians a lifeline and fight back against H.R. 1 cuts!” — California Association of Nonprofits
“The California State Assembly today acted boldly to protect the millions of Californians who risk losing Medi-Cal and CalFresh benefits due to cruel cuts in H.R. 1, while also rejecting the Administration’s proposed cuts to In-Home Support Services. Assemblymembers heard our message that investing in our county eligibility workforce, our First Responders to Poverty, is the best tool we have to help more Californians retain these life-saving benefits.” — Carlos Marquez III, Executive Director of County Welfare Directors Association of California
“Good news! The Assembly Budget includes funding for essential services supporting survivors sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking and other types of violence.” — California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Budget Leaders Ready to Fight for Californians
“Trump and Republicans are ripping away health care and driving up costs for families. Our Assembly Budget Road Map fights back by protecting health care access, softening the most harmful proposed medical and dental cuts, investing in the health care workforce, keeping hospitals open and connecting Californians to care.” — Assemblymember Dawn Addis, Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health
“While Trump and Republicans target food assistance programs and in-home care, California must stand with families, seniors, veterans and children. Our Budget Road Map makes smart, surgical decisions and defends the safety net programs people rely on most.” — Assemblymember Corey Jackson, Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services
“Every dollar we invest in schools should focus on improving student outcomes. Our Budget Road Map responsibly delivers the highest per-pupil funding in California history, strengthens special education, supports childcare, and provides more teacher preparation where it’s needed most” — Assemblymember David Alvarez, Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance
“Given federal attacks on our climate leadership, California’s budget must invest in tangible, transformative technologies that reduce pollution, protect public health, and make our communities more resilient. This includes a focus on cleaner trucks and buses and wildfire resilience.” — Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy and Transportation
“Hardworking Californians are living pay check to pay check. They are balancing rent, food, gas, and healthcare each month. As legislators, it is our responsibility to balance our state budget, retain vital services, and prepare for future economic challenges.” — Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration
“California must continue protecting victims and vulnerable communities. Our Budget Road Map supports crime victim programs, addresses the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people, and directly responds to hate crimes.” — Assemblymember James Ramos, Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety
“As we develop the State Budget, the Assembly is ensuring that state policies and programs deliver measurable results for Californians. At a time of unprecedented impacts from federal government actions, ensuring accountability in spending is more important than ever.” — Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight