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What you need to know: Governor Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C. for a series of meetings at the White House and on Capitol Hill to discuss the approval of key initiatives to improve health care, mental health, and clean air in the state, as well as the approval of disaster relief funds.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Governor Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C. this week for a series of high-level meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials and members of the California Congressional Delegation. Throughout the week, Governor Newsom advocated for key priorities to advance the health and well-being of all Californians.
“California is continuing our work to secure additional tools and resources to improve access to health care, clean air and water, and secure critical funding to support communities recovering from disasters. Building on our strong partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, California is working closely with the White House over the next two months to deliver the critical protections and resources our communities need.” - Governor Gavin Newsom
Meetings at the White House
On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom met with President Joe Biden, senior White House and key federal officials where he discussed top priorities for the state. The Governor advocated for the approval of pending disaster relief funding, programs to expand health care access, and initiatives to improve clean air. Following the Governor’s meeting with Counselor to the President Steve Ricchetti, the Governor joined Ricchetti for a meeting with President Joe Biden.
Meetings on Capitol Hill
On Wednesday, the Governor held a series of meetings with Biden-Harris Administration officials, Senator Alex Padilla, Senator-elect Adam Schiff, and members of the California congressional delegation to advance efforts that improve the health, quality of life, and well-being of all Californians.
During his meetings with members of Congress at the Capitol, the Governor highlighted the importance of securing the approval of pending items with the Biden-Harris Administration, including disaster funding requests, environmental protections, and programs that will expand access to health care and reduce homelessness. While reaffirming his commitment to collaborate with President-elect Trump wherever there is common ground, Governor Newsom previewed California’s upcoming special session and other preparations to proactively address potential federal challenges and legal actions.
Meetings with leaders in the Biden-Harris Administration
As part of his series of meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials, Governor Newsom today met with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to discuss efforts to improve water quality, fish habitat, and updates to the San Luis Dam and Reservoir project that will bolster water supplies for two million people. The Governor later met with officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services where he advocated for the approval of waivers that will improve Californians’ ability to access quality health care and reduce homelessness in the state.
About the disaster relief funding
The State of California seeks to close out various disaster funding requests made to FEMA, including $5.2 billion in reimbursement for both state and local governments related to emergency funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. These reimbursements are essential to support local and state government budgets and programs serving Californians.
About the health & mental health waivers
The State of California is requesting approval of two Medicaid waivers (MCO and BH-CONNECT) from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Benefits for Californians: The BH-CONNECT waiver complements and bolsters the recently passed Proposition 1 — providing additional funding and tools for local and state officials to address our state’s behavioral health and homeless issues, and better support justice-involved Californians who struggle with mental health issues. The MCO Tax Waiver provides over $20 billion in funding (over several years) to increase access to high-quality, affordable health care through higher Medi-Cal provider reimbursement and support the Medi-Cal program.
About the clean air waivers
The State of California has Clean Air Act waivers pending at US EPA, critical for enforcing air quality and climate regulations, including nation-leading rules.
Benefits for Californians: The American Lung Association estimated these 8 rules collectively would prevent 11,000 premature deaths and provide $116 billion in health benefits over the next three decades, in addition to the huge emissions reductions.