California Medical Association (CMA) President Peter N. Bretan, M.D., issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal:

"Gov. Newsom’s budget once again emphasizes health care affordability and accessibility and initiatives that will improve public health, including important new policies to address homelessness. We are grateful that the governor recognizes the importance of reducing administrative burdens and improving data interoperability to make health care more affordable for California patients.

"CMA strongly supports the governor’s efforts  to close the vaping loophole to ensure e-cigarettes are taxed at the same rate as traditional cigarettes, as California voters intended when they passed Proposition 56. We will work with the administration to ensure this new revenue is spent in accordance with Prop. 56, and is used to build upon the progress we’ve made in fortifying the state’s health care workforce and increasing access to care for low-income patients."