Governor Newsom called the state legislature back to Sacramento for a special session early this month to safeguard California values and fundamental rights – a response to the public statements and proposals put forward by President-elect Trump and his advisors. John Baackes, CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, sent a letter to the governor expressing support for efforts to protect the health care and civil rights of Californians. The health plan is especially concerned about the health of women, the LGBTQ+ populations, and immigrants.
Over the years, Governor Newsom has taken numerous steps to protect reproductive freedom, including signing a constitutional amendment to protect the right to abortion and contraception. He has advanced policies that support immigrant families, investing in their health care. The governor has also championed LGBTQ+ rights, including ensuring marriage equality in the state constitution. He has vowed to fight to keep these protections in place, working with lawmakers to set up a $25 million litigation fund.
L.A. Care stands in support of efforts to protect California from any steps that will take us backward. The health plan is committed to advancing health equity for its members and the communities where they live, which means ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Any effort to reverse the advances California has made in the areas of reproductive, LGBTQ+, and immigrant rights would have negative impact on the health of many Californians. We simply can’t let that happen.