Leaders Stand Together For A State Budget that Protects California's Prosperity and its People
A cross-sector coalition of leaders in philanthropy, healthcare, business, labor, education, and community organizing issues a joint statement outlining shared priorities for California’s 2025 state budget. The statement comes as Governor Newsom prepares to release his revised budget proposal—known as the “May Revise”—on May 14. It is accompanied by a targeted ad campaign. The Legislature must adopt a final budget by June 15.
Below is the statement:
The California Community Foundation (CCF) convened the effort through its Californians for Prosperity and Affordability initiative, following new polling that shows strong voter support for access to safety net programs for undocumented Californians. The poll, conducted by David Binder & Associates, found that voters overwhelmingly recognize the economic contributions of undocumented immigrants and support their access to essential services like healthcare. Our organizations represent diverse sectors spanning philanthropy, health care, business, labor, education and community organizing, united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of all Californians and sustaining a strong economy.
California should have a budget that protects our state’s prosperity, affordability and values. The limited resources that our state has should be spent on what matters most: our people. Protecting essential services for all Californians—regardless of immigration status—is not only the right thing to do, it’s a smart economic strategy that keeps our communities healthy and safe.
The majority of Californians agree. Statewide polling shows overwhelming support for ensuring safety net services for all low-income residents, regardless of immigration status:
59% support continuing current services
68% support access to Medi-Cal and Covered California
57% support Medi-Cal even if federal funding is at risk
64% support food assistance
58% support low-income tax credits
Voters understand that immigrants are essential members of our communities who grow our food, build our homes, and care for our most vulnerable. Their hard work and contributions drive prosperity for all. While only 12% of voters identify immigration as a top concern, 70% cite the cost of living and housing.
We acknowledge that tough fiscal choices lie ahead—but those decisions must reflect our shared values. It is our values that have propelled our state to become the fourth largest economy in the world. By protecting our people, we will ensure a stronger, more resilient California for all.
Signees:
Building Skills Partnership
California Community Foundation
California Health Care Foundation
California Immigrant Policy Center
College Futures
Dr. Bronner’s Family Foundation
End Child Poverty CA
Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund
First 5 Los Angeles (F4LA)
Grove Foundation
Health Access California
L.A. Care Health Plan
Latino Community Foundation
Liberty Hill Foundation
Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
Nourish California
Orange County Grantmakers
Pa’lante Collaborative Strategies
Rosenberg Foundation
San Francisco Foundation
SEIU United Service Workers West
The California Endowment
The California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN)
The California Wellness Foundation
The Children’s Partnership
The James Irvine Foundation
UNITE-LA
Weingart Foundation
Western Center on Law and Poverty