California budget deal closes $12B deficit with healthcare and spending cuts
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget to close a $12 billion deficit, which includes cuts to immigrant healthcare access, such as stopping new enrollments for undocumented adults in Medi-Cal from 2026 and introducing premiums in 2027, while also maintaining funding for other safety net programs and environmental initiatives. The budget faces criticism from Republicans and some Democrats for its impact on vulnerable populations and future fiscal stability, amid ongoing federal and economic uncertainties.