California Medical Association (CMA) President Robert E. Wailes, M.D., issued the following statement in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom's May Budget Revision:

“On behalf of the nearly 50,000 physicians, residents and medical student members of the California Medical Association (CMA), we are encouraged that Governor Newsom’s budget revision prioritizes health care and demonstrates a continuing commitment to providing universal health care access and coverage for all Californians.

CMA is pleased that the governor’s proposal recognizes the sacrifices our health care workforce has made over the course of the pandemic. As we enter the third year of the pandemic and our health care workforce continues to face the unprecedented crisis head-on, we applaud the governor’s plan to provide payments to retain our frontline health care workers and to boost funding for vaccinations that will protect patients and keep our communities safe and healthy. 

The governor’s proposed budget includes important investments to reduce disparities in the health care system and improve access to and quality of care for children’s preventative health, maternity care, women’s reproductive health and integrated behavioral health services.

In addition, the budget provides critical funding to assist small and safety net medical practices as they comply with the statewide health information exchange requirements that will streamline patient data across California’s 58 counties.

Our state is fortunate to have resources to support those who are struggling the most among us, and CMA will continue to advocate on behalf of the 13.5 million Californians that rely on critical Medi-Cal programs for their health care.

CMA looks forward to working with the Legislature and the Governor to strengthen our health care system because every Californian deserves access to the highest quality health care.”