Newsom’s budget proposal will affect undocumented Californians. Here’s how
For the second straight year, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed delaying the expansion of the food assistance benefits for undocumented immigrants age 55 and older.
Newsom on Friday unveiled his proposed $288 billion revised state budget which pushes back the expansion until 2027. He held back funding the program as his administration seeks ways to close a projected $28 billion deficit without cutting programs that are already providing services to Californians.
Implementation of the food benefits was expected to begin in October 2025. The delay is estimated to save the state $146 million.
“If the resources present themselves this would be a top priority to put back in and we would encourage the legislature to consider that as they consider this proposal itself,” Newsom said at his press conference on Friday.
Last year, Newsom proposed delaying the issuance of these food benefits to 2027. He later moved the issuance date back to 2025 following months of criticism from advocates.
His budget maintains benefits to undocumented immigrants in other ways, most notably sustaining funds for the expansion of Medi-cal for all lowincome undocumented age groups.
“I think that’s foundational, something I believe in,” Newsom said. “It’s a core of who I think who we are as a state and we should be as a nation.”