AB 526 Held on Suspense Statement

Statement from The Children’s Partnership on AB 526 (Petrie-Norris) Being Held in Suspension

“The Children’s Partnership is disappointed that the Senate Appropriations failed to pass AB 526–a bill to help expedite enrollment for WIC children and pregnant women into Medi-Cal. The State has already made a commitment to enroll all low income children and yet 87,000 WIC children are left without Medi-Cal coverage despite their eligibility. With the concerning decline in Medi-Cal enrollment coupled with the chilling effect of the recent federal “public charge” rule, more than ever, our state needs to take proactive measures to streamline enrollment for California families–letting them know we are here for them. In the words of Secretary Ghaly in response to what the State should do to respond to the chilling effect of public charge, we should “open the doors wider” to families. That is exactly what AB 526 does–creates an express lane pathway for WIC enrolled children to be easily enrolled in Medi-Cal. It is smart government and the right thing to do.

We will continue to push for policies that protect the wellbeing of children and families. The best way to build a strong California is to ensure that every child who lives here has the food, medical care, shelter and other basics they need to thrive.”