Community Leaders urge rejection of $15.8M cut to California Reducing Disparities Project

The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss critical funding issues impacting health services across California. A significant focus of the meeting was the proposed $15.8 million cut to the California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP), which has garnered widespread opposition from various community leaders and organizations.

The session began with public comments from representatives of multiple organizations, including the California Rural Indian Health Board and the Muslim American Society Social Services Foundation. Speakers emphasized the importance of the CRDP in addressing health disparities among marginalized communities. Cesar Gonzales Garcia, representing the California Rural Indian Health Board, urged the subcommittee to reject the proposed cuts, highlighting the project's role in supporting 70 federally recognized tribes and their health clinic systems.

Amandla Shilvari, from the MassSSF Social Service Foundation, echoed this sentiment, stressing the detrimental impact the cuts would have on ongoing services. Similarly, Josefina Alvarado Mena, CEO of Safe Passages, shared her organization's success in serving African American students in Oakland, arguing that discontinuing funding would jeopardize the well-being of current participants.

Several speakers, including Rachel Guerrero, a consultant and former architect of the CRDP, underscored the project's foundational goal of empowering communities most affected by health disparities. Guerrero noted that thousands of individuals are currently receiving care through the program, and cutting funding would disrupt their access to essential services.

The meeting featured a diverse array of voices, including those from the California Black Women's Health Project, the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, and various community health organizations. Each speaker articulated the critical need for continued funding, citing the positive outcomes and community trust built over the years.

As the discussions progressed, the urgency of the matter became increasingly apparent. Many speakers highlighted the potential consequences of the cuts, including the loss of vital services for vulnerable populations. The consensus among community representatives was clear: the CRDP is essential for fostering health equity and addressing systemic disparities.

In conclusion, the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health faced a pivotal decision regarding the future of the California Reducing Disparities Project. The overwhelming opposition to the proposed funding cuts reflects a strong community commitment to preserving health services that are crucial for many Californians. The subcommittee's next steps will be closely watched as stakeholders await a resolution that could significantly impact health equity efforts across the state.