Assembly urges federal leaders to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

SACRAMENTO — The California State Assembly on May 14 adopted Assembly Joint Resolution 3, asking federal leaders to preserve Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and warning that proposed federal cuts would harm seniors, children, people with disabilities and families.

The resolution, introduced by Assemblymember Schiavo, says current federal proposals could ‘‘change how care is delivered under Medicare, resulting in the reduction of care and increasing costs’’ and urges California’s congressional delegation to oppose cuts. The chamber passed the resolution 53–2.

The measure was filed as a message to federal leaders and framed as a defense of programs that serve roughly millions of Californians. Schiavo told members, “Social Security is our nation's most important source of retirement income, disability, and life insurance,” and said cuts would “create irreparable harm to seniors, children, the disabled, and families.” She also highlighted Medi‑Cal enrollment figures, saying nearly 15 million Californians rely on the program.

Lawmakers debated two overlapping themes: the immediate federal threat that supporters said would reduce access to care, and criticism from some members that state policy and budgeting — not only federal action — contributed to Medi‑Cal’s current challenges. Assemblymember Tangipa argued the Assembly should also address state actions: “If we're truly concerned about Medi‑Cal, we forgot who to actually address this to. We really need to start by writing this letter to Governor Newsom,” she said, citing proposals in the May revise that she said would reduce reimbursement rates and noting delays in drawing down federal matching funds.

Assemblymember DeMaio, who opposed the resolution, accused state leaders of responsibility for funding problems and criticized the majority for not addressing state choices first: “You have a Medicaid program in our state. It's called Medi‑Cal. And right now, what have you done under your management? You've put it on the brink of financial collapse,” he said, and said the Legislature rejected an amendment he supported.

Supporters stressed the resolution's federal focus. Assemblymember Schultz told colleagues, “If you believe that Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid are critical lifelines… vote ‘Aye,’” while Assemblymember Lee called the federal proposals “a chainsaw to the economy, all fueled by their billionaire friends.” Several members pointed to particular hospitals and rural communities that would be disproportionately affected if federal Medicaid funding were reduced.

The Assembly opened the roll for coauthors and added 52 coauthors before the final vote. The clerk recorded the vote as Ayes 53, Noes 2; the resolution was adopted.

The resolution is nonbinding; it directs the state Legislature’s position and asks federal officials to preserve the programs. Members on both sides urged continued attention to Medi‑Cal’s financing at the state level even as they urged federal protections.