2025 Policy Priorities for Children’s Health Equity
We believe that a child is a child. Regardless of their race, ethnicity or place of birth, all children have equal value and potential. Building the foundation for our children’s health in this moment requires us to be bold, engaged and relentless.
We know that every California family wants their children to be healthy and thrive in this country. Families are facing intense stress with threats of cuts to Medicaid; mass deportations; the ripping away of safety protections for places children live, learn and play; and attacks on food supports and other programs that help families build the base for their children’s long-term health.
As we look to a future where all California children can flourish, we know that this moment requires our greatest efforts to expand resources and opportunities that ensure children’s health is valued today and into the future. With children’s health always at the forefront, these are The Children’s Partnership’s 2025 policy priorities.
CALIFORNIA BILLS
AB 403 (Ortega) Community Health Workers Medi-Cal Benefit
AB 403 (Ortega) requires DHCS to complete an analysis of the Community Health Workers and Promotores benefit, and review the outreach and education strategies developed by Medi-Cal managed care plans, to bring transparency to community health under Medi-Cal.
- Press Release
- Bill text
- Author: Asm. Liz Ortega (D – San Leandro)
- Co-sponsor(s): The Children’s Partnership, Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, Visión y Compromiso
SB 531 (Rubio) Mental Health Education
SB 531 (Rubio) expands mental health education in schools, which reduces stigma, encourages early intervention, and equips students with tools for emotional resilience, improving long-term health and equity in care.
- Bill text
- Author: Sen. Susan Rubio (D – San Gabriel)
- Co-author(s): Sen. Tom Umberg (D – Orange County)
- Co-sponsor(s): The Children’s Partnership, California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, National Center for Youth Law, National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Press release
- Additional Information from National Center for Youth Law
Supported Bill
AB 49 (Muratsuchi) Safe Schools
AB 49 (Muratsuchi) protects children from immigration enforcement at schools. It will improve mental health, reduce stress, and foster success, allowing all children to learn without fear.
- Bill text
- Author: Asm. Al Muratsuchi (D – Los Angeles)
- Press release
AB 495 (Rodriguez) Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025
AB 495 (Rodriguez) prevents discrimination and shields immigration status from disclosure in child care settings, and, through family emergency preparedness, supports children’s mental health, fosters trust and ensures access to care and education without fear.
- Bill text
- Author: Asm. Celeste Rodriguez (D – Los Angeles)
- Press release
CALIFORNIA BUDGET
Restore ACEs Aware Funding for Child, Youth, and Family Resilience
Restore $50 million for ACEs Aware to maintain its critical role in connecting clinics, communities, managed care plans, and families in a trauma-informed system of care.
Continuous Medi-Cal Eligibility for Children 0 through 5
Fully fund multi-year continuous Medi-Cal eligibility for children ages 0 through5 to prevent gaps in healthcare coverage for California’s youngest low-income children, prioritizing a healthy start for one of the state’s most vulnerable populations.
Permanent Federal Flexibilities for Medi-Cal
Include the permanent extension of key public health emergency unwinding flexibilities to ensure low-income Californians maintain access to Medi-Cal without gaps in coverage due to administrative hurdles.
Thriving Wage Rate Increase for Community Health Workers and Promotoras
Restore the 2025 CHW/P/R rate increase to ensure equitable reimbursement that reflects the value of CHW/P/Rs to the health care system.
Defend and Protect Immigrant Families
Fund immigration legal services and protect Medi-Cal expansion coverage for immigrants who are undocumented. Our state is stronger when everyone is covered.
CONTACT
Maya Meinert, MMeinert@childrenspartnership.org
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