Becerra Pledges Legislative Partnership as Medi-Cal Cuts Loom
California Gov.-elect Xavier Becerra has publicly committed to working collaboratively with Legislature leaders Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, a departure from Gov. Gavin Newsom's approach of introducing major proposals late in the legislative process. Becerra has not specified policy priorities but has met individually with legislators and Democratic caucuses ahead of the January session. Among the issues lawmakers must address is new federal restrictions, including cuts to Medi-Cal, California's program for low-income and disabled residents, that could cause more than 1 million people to lose coverage starting January 1. Other pending issues include wildfire liability costs and legislative mandates on AI, housing and cost of living.