Gov. Newsom proposes universal health care for illegal immigrants

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) proposed Monday providing universal health care for all low-income residents in California, including illegal immigrants.

During a Monday press conference announcing the 2022-23 state budget, Newsom unveiled a massive California Blueprint plan that includes a measure, if approved by state lawmakers, that will allow illegal immigrants to obtain state-funded abortions under the state's Medi-Cal system, Fox News reported.

"Here's the big one: California is poised to be, if this proposal is supported, the first state in the country to achieve universal access to health coverage," Newsom said at the briefing. "So, what does that mean? It means full-scope Medi-Cal, including long-term care, IHSS [In-Home Supportive Services], and behavioral health to all low-income Californians, regardless of immigration status."

According to ABC News, the governor said the budget includes a multi-billion dollar surplus that is larger than previous estimates because the Newsom administration "uses a different definition of what counts as surplus."

Newsom considers lack of health care to be one of the "existential threats" to the state, tied into what he deems the over-arching issue of "income inequality."

The other threats he has named are wildfires and drought, which he ties to "global warming," the COVID-19 pandemic, and homelessness and public safety.

Newsom estimated that the plan would be implemented by January 2024.

"With major new investments to tackle the greatest threats to our state’s future, the California Blueprint lights the path forward to continue the historic progress we’ve made on our short-term and long-term challenges, including responding to the evolving pandemic, fighting the climate crisis, taking on persistent inequality and homelessness, keeping our streets safe and more," he said via press release.

"As California's robust recovery continues, we're doubling down on our work to ensure all our communities can thrive," Newsom promised in the statement.

Newsom estimated that the plan would be implemented by January 2024.

"With major new investments to tackle the greatest threats to our state’s future, the California Blueprint lights the path forward to continue the historic progress we’ve made on our short-term and long-term challenges, including responding to the evolving pandemic, fighting the climate crisis, taking on persistent inequality and homelessness, keeping our streets safe and more," he said via press release.

"As California's robust recovery continues, we're doubling down on our work to ensure all our communities can thrive," Newsom promised in the statement.

California has struggled with a plethora of issues under a seemingly absent Newsom. Many are blaming Newsom's lax policies on public order as widespread smash-and-grab robberies and organized crime plague the state's local businesses.