Election Response: The Children’s Partnership Expresses Unwavering Support for All California Children
As we continue to reflect on the 2024 election results, The Children’s Partnership’s commitment to child health equity stands at the forefront. We are unwavering in our pursuit of justice and well-being for ALL children and youth in California, regardless of their race, ethnicity, place of birth, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.
We recognize that our communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities across California and the nation are resilient – and they’re tired.
Our Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, Pacific Islander, transgender, queer, immigrant and other marginalized communities have been fighting against the systemic racism, ableism, sexism and homophobia this country was founded on for centuries, just to have a level playing field. And the fight goes on, with a second Trump presidency set to start in just a matter of months.
To our families and communities of all backgrounds:
We hear you. We see you. We share your pain and frustration.
We, The Children’s Partnership team, are from many of these same communities. And we are committed to the fight – today, tomorrow and always. Our children did not get to vote for their health, so it’s up to us – the adults in their lives – to ensure they have the resources and opportunities they need to grow up healthy and thrive.
These resources include
- equitable access to health care through the Affordable Care Act;
- support for safety net programs such as CalFresh and Medi-Cal, California’s versions of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid programs;
- compassionate, common-sense immigration policies that safeguard families and center human dignity, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); and
- protections for transgender and nonbinary youth.
Knowing how consequential this year’s election was, nationally and in California, TCP took stances on several state-wide ballot propositions that would have significant impacts on the lives of children and their families.
We supported Propositions 5 and 33, which would have taken steps toward making housing more available and affordable, addressing some of the root causes of homelessness. TCP opposed Proposition 35 for its restrictions on funding for Medi-Cal, which provides health coverage for more than half of California’s children, three-quarters of whom are children of color.
We are disappointed these votes didn’t go our way. But the passage of Prop. 35 makes clear that Californians want a stronger Medi-Cal program – for children, families, providers and the state as a whole.
As we have said before, TCP agrees with the proponents of the proposition that Medi-Cal reimbursement rates are far too low. We also recognize the need to improve enrollment, support a robust benefits package, and invest in the many providers and programs that were left out of Prop. 35. We look forward to working with the Legislature, Governor and partners to advance the critical investments included in the 2024-2025 budget, such as multi-year continuous Medi-Cal coverage for young children, a pay increase to a living wage for community health workers, and more.
We know there will be challenging times ahead, and TCP will not waver in advocating for policies and programs that will benefit the children and families who need and rely on them most. Now is the time to come together in cross-movement solidarity and continue our shared work to advance health equity for California children, families, and all who call this state home.
In this pivotal moment, we remain dedicated to building a more equitable and just society for every child and for all of us.
