California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Statement on Governor Newsom Signing the State Budget

August 13, 2024

SACRAMENTO, CA - Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman and Assemblymember Chris Ward, Chair and Vice-Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus are proud to announce the inclusion of several key initiatives and protections in the 2024-25 state budget that will benefit LGBTQ+ Californians, particularly our youth, ensuring that our state remains a beacon of inclusivity and support:

"I am proud that this year we secured funding for crucial programs and initiatives that continue to save LGBTQ+ lives and support the LGBTQ+ community. Our rural tour highlighted the ongoing need for long-term funding for organizations serving LGBTQ+ individuals in our most neglected areas. The funding we were able to secure reflects our commitment to the underserved areas of our state to center their needs in our work. Despite a challenging fiscal situation that limited many essential state government functions, we persevered." Said Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus "I extend my gratitude to Speaker Rivas, President Pro Tempore McGuire, and Governor Newsom for prioritizing LGBTQ+ lives during this period of economic hardship."

"I am proud of our LGBTQ Caucus's diligence in securing life-saving funds for our LGBTQ+ constituents in California. There has been a growing national attack against members of our community, disproportionately targeting our transgender, gender non-conforming/non-binary, and intersex siblings. While some in congressional leadership and other State Legislatures are actively rolling back supports and protections for LGBTQ+ community members, we reaffirmed California's status as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals in the face of this year's budget hardships." Said Assemblymember Chris Ward, Vice-Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus. "I want to share my deepest appreciation to Speaker Robert Rivas, President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, and Governor Gavin Newsom for their allyship and leadership in uplifting LGBTQ+ individuals, and I look forward to continuing our partnership in the future." The 2024-2025 State Budget protects key Caucus priorities, including:

- $32.1 million in AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Rebate Fund Modernizations - Secured.

- $5 million for SB 954 (Menjivar, 2024), the Youth Health Equity + Safety Act, YHES Act, to address the STI epidemic - Secured.

- $2.2 million to advance LGBTQ+ Data Collection Initiatives across State Departments - Secured

- $3 quarters of a million to Renew & Preserve the LGBTQ+ Historical Archives Program - Secured

- $1 quarter of a million to Support the Expansion of the California Coalition of Transgender Immigrants Programs - Secured.

This Caucus was also able to protect critical funding to life saving LGBTQ+ programs, including:

- Restored $300 million in proposed cuts to Future of Public Health Funding

- Restored $73.8 million in proposed cut to the Office of Health Equity

In total, this Caucus was able to secure and preserve over $400 million dollars to support equity, safety and visibility for LGBTQ+ Californians across this State. While we know that next year's economic outlook does not look much better, this Caucus will remain steadfast in our protection and preservation of LGBTQ+ lives and futures.