Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1539593
Rep. David Valadao CD 22 — Valadao reliably votes for tax cuts for the wealthy while slashing funds for public education. Since his district has the nation's highest Medicaid enrollment, the cuts he voted to approve threaten access to health care for families, including children. Then: Stated he would "never support a bill that hurts my constituents who depend on Medi-Cal." Now: Despite initial hesitation, he caved to pressure and voted for the budget bill. Potential Impact: $4 billion Medicaid cut over next 10 years, estimated 55K–70K to lose health coverage (highest nationwide). Rep. Young Kim CD 40 — Kim only offered staff to meet with CTA members in her district. Kim supports economic policies that gut services in her community to provide tax cuts to the wealthy few, has voted against abortion rights, and supports privatization of public education. Then: Pledged to oppose Medicaid cuts and repeatedly emphasized she supports "safety nets for our most vulnerable" and "keeping kids healthy and in school." Now: Voted for a GOP plan that guts those safety nets, reducing school-based supports like mental health counseling and special education services. Potential Impact: $2 billion Medicaid cut over 10 years, projected 15,315 to lose health care coverage. Rep. Ken Calvert CD 41 — Calvert only offered staff to meet with CTA members in his district. A long-time incumbent with deep ties to defense contractors and fossil fuel interests, Calvert has opposed LGBTQ+ rights for decades, backed Trump's agenda to expand vouchers and privatize education, and voted to overturn the 2020 election results. Then: Stated in local town halls that he would not support "cuts to programs families rely on." Now: Voted YES on the budget bill and its devastating cuts to Medicaid, which is a lifeline for school-based services in working-class communities. Potential Impact: $2 billion Medicaid cut over next 10 years, estimated 15K–25K to lose health coverage. Rep. Jay Obernolte CD 23 — A wealthy tech entrepreneur turned congressman, Obernolte represents some of the most impoverished areas of California yet routinely votes to give tax cuts to corporations and billionaires while slashing health care and public education for thousands in his communities. Then: Claimed in 2022 he would "protect access to affordable health care for families." Now: Voted for Medicaid cuts that strip health and mental health services from students and families in high-need school districts. Potential Impact: $2.5 billion Medicaid cut over 10 years, 25K–35K projected to lose health coverage. Rep. Vince Fong CD 20 — A newcomer who inherited Kevin McCarthy 's old seat, Fong is closely tied to oil and big agriculture interests, showing little support for labor rights or public services. Then: While campaigning, said he would ensure "budget discipline without hurting essential services." Now: Supported sweeping cuts that reduce Medi-Cal access and support for public schools — especially in underserved Central Valley districts Potential Impact: $3 billion Medicaid cut over 10 years, estimated 30–40,000 to lose health care coverage. 4 5 6 7 8 26 cta.org Feature