FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2025
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org
Governor Newsom’s 2025-26 May Revision Outlines Intentional Investments and Concerning Cuts for Young Californians
(Los Angeles, CA) – Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom released his detailed 2025-26 May Revision to the State Budget, outlining an anticipated $12 billion shortfall perpetuated by increasing tariffs and an increasingly uncertain national economic climate.
In his revision, Governor Newsom reduced University of California and California State University fundings cuts by five percent, prioritizing institutional stability as California works to support more young people in reaching their college goals. However, the Revision emphasized adjustments to the Student Centered Funding Formula and core aspects of the Master Plan for Career Education, reducing the proposed $5 million to establish a California Education Interagency Council. While the May Revise sustained key higher education investments, the proposed damaging cuts threaten to undermine the well-being and futures of California’s young adults.
The budget revision marked a major set-back for Health4All efforts. The Governor proposed a freeze on Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented adults starting in 2026, in addition to several cost increases and restrictions for undocumented communities over the next two years. An estimated 1.6 million undocumented people rely on Medi-Cal for access to health coverage and life-saving care. He further proposed cuts to In-Home Supportive Services, funding for skilled nursing facilities, and supplemental funding which most often serve communities already lacking access. These detrimental cuts to health care will further push necessary care out of reach for those who need it most.
Furthermore, Governor Newsom proposed significant investments to support construction and trade apprenticeship programs, however, reduced investments in regional coordination for the Labor & Workforce Development Agency.
Young Californians deserve to have their voices heard and needs reflected in the budget. It is vital that California invest and expand resources for the success and well-being of young adults.
In response, Katrina Linden, Western Regional Director at Young Invincibles said:
“As California faces another difficult budget year, the reductions outlined by Governor Newsom will have lasting consequences for generations to come. During challenging budget times, California must put its most vulnerable communities first, especially by protecting evidence-based programs and services that help every community member thrive. While we understand the difficult fiscal choices facing the state across various sectors, we urge the Legislature and Governor to take every possible precaution to safeguard the well-being and future of young Californians and their families in this budget cycle and beyond.
Young Invincibles remains committed to advocating for a future where the state budget reflects the lived experiences of young people—particularly young people of color, undocumented young adults, and low-income communities, whose voices are too often overlooked in urgent budget discussions. We remain hopeful that the coming weeks will bring meaningful investments in the future of all young Californians.”
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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org