SACRAMENTO — Disability rights advocates gathered outside the California state Capitol on Monday to protest proposed cuts to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised budget plan.
The demonstration drew lawmakers from both parties, disability leaders and affected individuals who warned that the reductions could jeopardize care for seniors and people with disabilities. The In-Home Supportive Services program provides assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, cooking and medical appointments, enabling recipients to remain in their homes rather than institutional settings.
Newsom’s proposal, unveiled last month, includes approximately $367.7 million in cuts to IHSS and shifts some costs to counties, according to budget documents. It also involves changes to Medi-Cal eligibility and asset limits. State lawmakers have until June 15 to approve the budget.
Advocates said the changes could force many recipients to spend down savings or forgo essential support. “These aren’t just numbers in a budget; these are real people,” said Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio), who joined the protest.
The program serves hundreds of thousands of Californians. Protesters highlighted potential increases in institutional care costs if in-home services are reduced, though exact statewide impacts remain subject to final budget negotiations.
A spokesperson for the governor’s office noted that the budget proposals aim to address fiscal constraints while protecting core services. “We are committed to balancing the budget responsibly and will continue working with the Legislature,” the spokesperson said.
Bipartisan support was evident at the rally, with participants urging removal of the proposed IHSS and Medi-Cal adjustments. Disability Rights California and other groups have called on officials to preserve access to these programs.
The protest reflects ongoing debates over state spending priorities amid budget pressures. Details on the final scope of any cuts or alternative proposals were not immediately available.
As of Tuesday, negotiations between the governor and lawmakers continued ahead of the deadline. Advocates said they planned further outreach to legislators to oppose the measures.
