California's Assembly Floor Session on June 13, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding the proposed state budget, particularly its impact on healthcare and immigrant communities. Assemblymember El Hawari passionately criticized the budget for potentially freezing Medi-Cal enrollment and imposing premiums on immigrants, arguing that such measures would mirror the harmful policies of the previous federal administration. She emphasized that these changes would not only jeopardize access to essential healthcare but also exacerbate existing disparities, ultimately costing lives.

Assemblymember Arambula echoed these sentiments, sharing his firsthand experiences as a healthcare provider. He expressed deep concern over the ramifications of denying regular and preventative care to immigrant communities, stating that the proposed budget would create a two-tiered healthcare system that undermines the principle of healthcare as a human right.

In contrast, Assemblymember Patterson criticized the budget for lacking adequate funding for housing and essential services, labeling it a "complete joke." He pointed out the disconnect between the governor's stated priorities and the actual budget allocations, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Despite the criticisms, some members acknowledged the budget's progress in certain areas, such as childcare expansion. However, they also recognized the need for ongoing discussions to address the budget's shortcomings, particularly regarding healthcare access for undocumented immigrants.

As the Assembly prepares to vote on the budget, the discussions reflect a broader struggle to balance fiscal responsibility with the moral imperative to support California's most vulnerable residents. The outcome of this budget will have lasting implications for healthcare access and the well-being of immigrant communities across the state.