(Just The News)—The California Legislature passed a record $325 billion preliminary budget, with final details remaining to be hammered out before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.
This record budget comes as polling finds a growing majority of Californians now support having lower taxes, in return for fewer government services. According to the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California, the majority of Californians supported higher taxes and more services in nearly every PPIC survey since the question was added in 2003 — that is until 2023.
Over the past decade, state spending has doubled while the population has remained largely flat. Officials say employees of the state now earn an average of $177,000, up 42% from 2019.
“This budget continues to overspend while hoping for a growth in revenue instead of cautiously preparing for the worst,” said state Sen. Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee.
“A budget that is based on hope is a budget that is destined for despair,” Niello told The Center Square in a statement.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed more proactive cuts from the taxpayer-funded Medi-Cal public health care system, including benefits for illegal immigrants, only some of which were adopted by the Legislature.
The governor’s proposals included requiring illegal immigrants enrolled in Medi-Cal to pay $100 per month in premiums and barring new illegal immigrants 19 or older from enrolling in Medi-Cal starting in January 2026.
Newsom also called for re-instituting an asset test for Medi-Cal enrollment for seniors, ending Medi-Cal coverage for weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, ending in-home supportive services coverage for illegal immigrants, and limiting in-home supportive services overtime.
The adopted budget included most of the governor’s proposals, but did not address illegal immigrant Medi-Cal premiums.
The Legislature’s analysis of the adopted budget estimates that pausing new illegal immigrant enrollment in Medi-Cal will save up to $3.3 billion per year, while ending weight-loss drug coverage for Medi-Cal will save up to $680 million per year, and reinstating Medi-Cal asset limits for seniors at $130,000 will save up to $510 million per year.
According to the state-funded Legislative Analyst’s Office’s Memorial Day weekend report on state finances, the state faces “persistent future deficits” of $10 billion to $20 billion per year — even after incorporating the savings from the governor’s proposed budget.
“To balance the budget going forward, the Legislature will likely need to adopt additional solutions that increase ongoing revenues or reduce ongoing spending — both of which involve the most difficult and consequential trade-offs for policymakers,” wrote the LAO.
As the new budget for the fiscal year hits yet another record, it’s unclear how lawmakers will seek to address the state’s worsening financial position, especially with voters’ polled preference for lowering taxes and reducing state services.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Your Essential Partner in Health Readiness
In an increasingly unpredictable world—where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and global travel can leave us vulnerable to sudden health challenges—being prepared isn’t just smart; it’s essential.
That’s where Jase Medical steps in, offering innovative solutions that empower individuals and families to take control of their health with emergency medication kits designed for real-life scenarios. As someone who’s always advocated for proactive wellness, I was impressed by how Jase Medical combines expert medical guidance with convenient, customizable options to ensure you’re never caught off guard.
At the heart of their offerings is the Jase Case, a comprehensive emergency antibiotic kit priced at just $289.95. This powerhouse contains five life-saving antibiotics and five vital symptom-relief medications, capable of treating over 50 common infections—from respiratory issues and skin conditions to traveler’s diarrhea and more.
What sets it apart? It’s fully customizable with 28 add-on options, including a specialized KidCase for children ages 2-11, making it ideal for families.
Whether you’re stocking up for home emergencies or preparing for remote adventures, the Jase Case provides peace of mind with medications that boast extended shelf lives—up to five years or longer when stored properly, with studies showing 90% potency retention even after 20 years.
For those on the move, the Jase Go travel med kit at $129.95 is a game-changer. Curated by physicians, it addresses over 30 common travel ailments, from digestive upsets to minor injuries, ensuring explorers, hikers, and globetrotters can handle health hiccups without derailing their plans.
And for targeted concerns, Jase Medical offers specialized kits like the UTI Kit ($99.95), which includes test strips and treatments for urinary tract infections, vaginal candidiasis, and even jock itch, or the Parasites Kit (starting at $199.95), featuring compounded Ivermectin and Mebendazole to combat internal and external parasitic infections.
But Jase Medical isn’t just about one-off kits; their Jase Daily service provides an extended supply of your ongoing prescriptions, supporting hundreds of medications for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart health, high blood pressure, mental health, and more. This ensures long-term preparedness, safeguarding against factory shutdowns or extreme weather that could interrupt your regular supply.
The process couldn’t be simpler or more reassuring. Start by customizing your order online, then benefit from a thorough review by a team of world-class physicians who ensure safety and accuracy. In most cases, prescriptions are issued after a quick consultation—sometimes just a call to clarify allergies or needs—and your kit arrives discreetly at your door. While they don’t accept traditional health insurance, many customers use HSA cards, and refills are available for added convenience.
What truly stands out is the real-world impact. As radio host Glenn Beck puts it, “The supply lines for antibiotics already are stressed to the max. Please have some antibiotics on hand… You can do it through Jase.”
One satisfied customer shared, “It could have been a nightmare. Instead, the best trip we’ve had,” after their kit turned a potential health crisis into a minor blip during a family vacation.
In a time when health uncertainties loom larger than ever, Jase Medical isn’t just selling products—it’s delivering empowerment. Don’t wait for the next disruption; visit Patriot.TV/meds today to build your personalized emergency plan and step into a more secure tomorrow. Your health, and your family’s, deserves nothing less.