San Diego City Wire

In light of California's significant $68 billion budget deficit, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones from San Diego has called on Governor Newsom and Democratic lawmakers to implement an 18-month freeze on the expansion of Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrants aged 26-49. This proposed measure is projected to save over $4 billion.

Leader Jones emphasized the urgency of this action, stating, “In the midst of a significant budget deficit, hospitals shutting down, and a massive influx of migrants illegally crossing our open border, now is not the time to be expanding this costly government program.” He added that priority should be given to safeguarding essential services and functionalities. He urged Democrat politicians to collaborate with Republicans in freezing the Medi-Cal expansion while addressing budget concerns.

The expansion of Medi-Cal presents challenges due to its low reimbursement rate, contributing to hospital and maternity ward closures across California. Estimates from the Department of Health Care Services indicate that more than two million undocumented immigrants reside in California. Providing Medi-Cal to all these individuals would cost at least $5 billion annually. With over 300,000 undocumented immigrants having crossed into California from Mexico in 2023 alone, program costs are expected to rise.

Jones pointed out that although immigration issues are federal matters, Californians should not shoulder the financial burden caused by federal shortcomings. He stated, “While the border and migrant crisis is inherently a federal issue, Californians should not have to bear the costs of the federal government’s failure.” He advocated for comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level and stressed closing borders to new undocumented migrants while focusing resources on those already present.

Last month, Leader Jones participated in a bipartisan tour at the California-Mexico border to gain firsthand insights into the ongoing border crisis.