Struggling Californians are being left behind

California is facing an impossible crisis with its budget being continuously jeopardized by looming threats from the federal government. As state leaders wrangle with how to balance a budget with the potential for dire impacts from cuts to critical federal programs, we urge them to ensure California addresses the affordability crisis that worsens each day.

Without programs like the CalEITC, Young Child Tax Credit, and Foster Youth Tax Credits, putting money directly back into the pockets of working Californians, more households will be forced to make impossible decisions. In addition to these common sense measures, we urge state leaders to commit to keeping health care for all, protect funding for child care and foster youth and fully fund HOPE accounts – one of the state’s most innovative tools to reduce the racial wealth gap.

These programs are critical lifelines to millions of Californians; they’re smart investments that help families stay healthy, access opportunities, and contribute to our state’s shared prosperity.

These supports are proven to help millions make ends meet as they struggle with the rising cost of living. As our legislative leadership meets to decide what budget priorities to fight for, we call on them to commit to the programs that give working Californians the support they need to make ends meet.