On January 8, 2025, union members from SEIU and UDW gathered in front of Congressman Ken Calvert’s Palm Desert office to oppose the incoming Trump administration’s proposed cuts to vital programs like Medicare and Medi-Cal. These cuts threatened the healthcare access of countless seniors, adults, and children with disabilities who rely on in-home caregivers for daily support.  

Just weeks later, on February 19, 2025, workers and community members came together again in Corona, California, for the “Fight For Our Health” press conference. There, caregivers and patients shared personal stories about how these cuts would devastate their ability to receive and provide essential care. 

SEIU and UDW members, many of whom are in-home caregivers, spoke about how Medi-Cal helps them care for loved ones and patients alike. Whether caring for a spouse, child, sibling, or parent, these workers depend on Medi-Cal to fill the gaps in coverage left by private insurance. The potential loss of these services could mean the difference between stability and crisis for many families. As federal cuts to social programs continue, the fight to protect Medi-Cal remains urgent. When you hear about healthcare cuts or see protests in the news, remember the caregivers who tirelessly advocate not just for their jobs, but for the health and dignity of their communities. 

On February 26, 2025, Lorena Gonzalez released the following statement:

Sisters and Brothers,

This week, House Republicans narrowly voted to approve a budget resolution that contains trillions in tax cuts and spending reductions.  

It was close. The House GOP passed the bill 217 to 215, with every single GOP member of California’s congressional delegation voting yes. 

So what does this mean? 

Per the New York Times, the bill calls for cutting $2 trillion in federal spending. While the budget doesn’t specify where those cuts specifically should be made, it mandates the House Energy and Commerce Committee – which has oversight on Medicare and Medicaid – to find at least $880 billion in cuts. It would be impossible to cut that much without slashing funding for one or both of those programs. 

So what now? 

The budget bill is far from a done deal. The Senate still must approve its version of the resolution. Then, the House and Senate must reconcile their two budget resolutions into one bill, which both chambers must pass in a final vote.  

The next big fight will be in the Energy and Commerce Committee. If the cuts make it out of that committee, the next big fight after that will likely be on the House floor. It takes just three GOP lawmakers voting no to tie the vote in the House, which effectively kills the bill.  

This is where we come in!  

In California, there are three House Republicans who only narrowly won their seats in fiercely competitive purple districts: 

• CD-22 Rep. David Valadao – Bakersfield 
• CD-40 Rep. Young Kim – Orange County 
• CD-41 Rep. Ken Calvert – Palm Desert/Inland Empire   

If you live in one of their districts, please call (866)-426-2631 contact their office ASAP and tell them to say “NO” to Medi-Cal cuts that would slash healthcare for millions of Americans.

 If you want to help with future efforts to protect everyone’s healthcare: sign up HERE for Hands-Off Medi-Cal Campaign updates.  

In Solidarity,
Lorena Gonzalez

We know this issue is critical to the livelihoods of many workers, patients, and families across not just the state but the country. Much work is to be done and will continue in the months to come. Sign up HERE for Hands-Off Medi-Cal Campaign updates.