US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Fight over How to Pay for Medi-Cal Puts Pressure on Newsom to Raise Taxes
Newsom opposes a union-backed wealth tax to fund Medi-Cal after federal cuts, while about 522,000 Californians face coverage loss in 2026-2027, advocates warn.
- On Jan. 14, 2026 Gov. Gavin Newsom faced advocates rallying at the state Capitol pressing leaders to backfill federal funding cuts and urged proponents to drop the union-backed wealth-tax push.
- Federal changes last year cut California's federal funding, and analysts project about 522,000 Californians will lose Medi‑Cal coverage in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
- The union's proposal would impose a one-time 5% levy, with the Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers West collecting nearly 900,000 signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
- Newsom's budget omitted backfill funds and the state began freezing new Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented immigrant adults; health advocates and progressive lawmakers say they will press Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Legislature to replace federal funding.
- The dispute could shape the 2026 legislative session and midterm elections and may divide Democrats, while Gov. Gavin Newsom's ties to tech titans including Larry Page and Sergey Brin matter as he eyes a presidential run this year.
Insights by Ground AI
13 Articles
13 Articles
Times-StandardReposted by 
The Sacramento Observer
The Sacramento ObserverFight over how to pay for Medi-Cal puts pressure on Newsom to raise taxes
California health care advocates, labor unions and progressive lawmakers are urging the governor and the Legislature to find new money to fund medical care and other social services for millions of low-income and disabled Californians. Their coalition, known as “Fight for Our Health,” demanded Wednesday on the Capitol steps that the Legislature and soon-to-be lame duck Gov. Gavin Newsom take action to backfill funding cuts that President Donald…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Center
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
63% Center
L 25%
C 63%
12%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
