On April 10, the House of Representatives approved a Republican-led budget plan that could deeply affect Medicaid and other healthcare programs. Representative David Valadao (R-Hanford), whose Central Valley district includes some of California’s most Medi-Cal-dependent communities, was notably absent from the vote, citing a personal family matter.
“As lawmakers vote on the federal budget, Medicaid is once again on the chopping block. Proposals to slash funding for this vital program are more than just numbers on a spreadsheet — they represent real and immediate threats to millions of families across the country. If enacted, these cuts would ripple through communities, leaving children, seniors, and people with disabilities without access to essential care,” commented Nataly Santamaria, a Promotora with Vision y Compromiso.
A promotora is a trained community health worker who serves as a vital community link, typically a trusted lay member of a Hispanic/Latino community, providing culturally relevant health education and outreach. Acting as advocates, educators, and connectors, promotoras bridge the gap between community members, healthcare providers, and social services.
“Medicaid isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline. In Valadao’s district, approximately 67% of his constituents rely on Medicaid, making it one of the highest in the country,” said Santamaria.
The vote was passed with a vote of 216 to 214, with two republicans — Kentucky’s Thomas Massie and Indiana’s Victoria Spartz — voting no. In an interview with the Sacramento Bee on April 9, Valadao said he was undecided on his vote and has been discussing his concerns with Republican leaders.
The measure passed April 10 lays the groundwork for what’s ahead, outlining lawmakers’ spending and tax priorities. Next, Congress is expected to introduce legislation featuring tax cuts. Many of the tax breaks enacted during Trump’s first term in 2017 are set to expire this year, but Republicans are pushing to extend them.
To finance proposed tax cuts, Republicans are advocating for substantial reductions in federal spending, with Medicaid, known as Medi-Cal in California, being a big target. The House GOP budget resolution directs the Energy and Commerce Committee to identify $880 billion in savings over the next decade, a move widely interpreted as focusing on Medicaid reductions.
Given that Social Security and Medicare are largely exempt from cuts, Medicaid emerges as the main area for potential savings.
Santamaria argues that while supporters of Medicaid cuts claim they’re needed to control the national debt, this viewpoint overlooks the long-term consequences. She explains that when families lose access to essential care, they tend to delay seeking help until health issues escalate into emergency situations that are not only more costly but also pose greater risks to patients’ well-being.
Medicaid cuts also put rural hospitals and clinics at serious risk, as many depend on Medicaid reimbursements to keep their doors open. With already tight budgets, losing that funding could force some to shut down, leaving entire communities without accessible healthcare and endangering lives.
“Let’s be clear: these cuts won’t just affect ‘someone else.’ They’ll hurt parents working two jobs to make ends meet, grandparents on fixed incomes, and children who need early intervention services to succeed in school. They’ll impact veterans, caregivers, and neighbors. They’ll hurt all of us,” Santamaria stated. “Balancing the budget should not come at the expense of the most vulnerable among us. Instead, Congress must find a path forward that protects the programs families rely on. Our health — and our values — depend on it.”
As these budget cuts head to the Senate for the next vote, organizers from Health Access California have continued holding rallies to oppose the proposed cuts. Community members gathered on Wednesday outside of Valadao’s office to protest the budget cuts.
“I came out today because I’ve seen firsthand how critical Medi-Cal is for families like mine. My son depends on it for regular checkups, and any cuts would make it nearly impossible for us to keep up with his care. We’re not asking for special treatment—we’re asking for basic healthcare to stay within reach,” said one community member.
The next rally will take place on April 24 at 11:30 a.m. outside of Valadao’s Bakersfield office located at 2700 M Street, Bakersfield, CA.
“These cuts would be devastating for kids in our community. As a school nurse, I see how many children rely on Medi-Cal for everything from asthma inhalers to mental health support. Without it, we’re setting them up for failure before they even have a chance,” another community member commented.
