Sen. Blakespear Supports Framework of Governor’s Budget Plan, Calls for Some Changes

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, issued the following statement today in response to the Governor’s May Revision of his spending plan for the 2025-26 fiscal year:

“In light of the updated $12 billion deficit, I support large parts of the Governor’s proposed budget, including specifically the reduction in Medi-Cal spending. This portion of our state budget is nearly three times what it was projected to be and we need urgent and immediate cost containment. His proposal does not drop any currently insured person in California, and it includes reasonable restrictions on eligibility, a return to an asset-test to qualify for Medi-Cal, relatively low monthly premiums for some populations and the elimination of coverage for expensive weight-management medication (Wegovy) when used only for weight loss. I encourage a consideration of co-pays for pharmaceuticals.  

I also support the Governor’s proposed greater funding for the UC and CSU system and the rollback of some of his initially recommended cuts. Under the Governor’s plan, the budget for the UC and CSU system will be cut only 3%, not the 8% first suggested. With such a substantial budget deficit, and in light of the threats from the federal government to our colleges and universities, this proposal strikes the right balance. I was glad to see UC President Michael Drake say the new budget amount would allow UC to preserve critical investments and minimize cuts to student support services.

I support the Governor’s plan to shield TK-12 schools from cuts with a proposal that leaves them with the same funding in 2025-26 that they received this year, plus a small cost-of-living adjustment. 

Additionally, I am glad to see the re-authorization of our state’s landmark “Cap-and-Invest” program, which supports California’s commitment to the environment. Revenue from the program, including funding from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, needs to stay focused on its main goal, which is a market-based system to reduce emissions. Given that transportation is the largest emissions sector, it’s critical to invest in a clean transportation system that includes transit. 

I was disappointed to see the Governor’s plan does not include money for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grant program. Getting cities and counties to functional zero in unsheltered homelessness will require state funding, as they simply can’t carry the financial burden alone. 

I oppose the Governor’s $500 million cut to health care provider payments funded by Prop 56, which would hurt low-income and marginalized communities and devastate Planned Parenthood. With what’s happening at the federal level, now more than ever we need Planned Parenthood and its support for women and families.  

I remain concerned that the May Revision proposes to cut nearly 200 positions from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife knowing that the department currently operates with a third of the positions needed to provide permitting, law enforcement, habitat protection, species and land management, and more. It is important that we be strategic and thoughtful about our staffing cuts to ensure we do not cut core programs in a haphazard way – we’ve seen the harmful impacts of this from the federal government.  

Overall, I support the framework of the Governor’s plan, and I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to make some changes to refocus its priorities and do more for homelessness, reproductive health and combating climate change.”

Elected in 2022, Sen. Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and part of southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.