Gov. Gavin Newsom faces criticism over Medicaid spending and crime‑measure funding in California

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana accused California’s Medicaid program, Medi‑Cal, of misusing federal funds by paying for housing, meals, gym memberships and other social services. Governor Gavin Newsom defended the approach as “whole‑person care,” saying it reduces emergency‑room use and saves taxpayers. He cited the case of 73‑year‑old Lucy Rodriguez, who receives home‑delivered meals and case‑manager assistance for diabetes and kidney disease, as an example of the program’s benefits. The dispute occurs amid a broader federal push, under the Trump administration, to limit Medicaid funding for non‑clinical services.

Separately, California’s budget implementation of voter‑approved Proposition 36, a tough‑on‑crime measure that raises penalties for repeat thieves and drug dealers and funds treatment programs, has drawn sharp criticism. Although the governor initially set aside $100 million, lawmakers say only $50 million is directly allocated, with the rest drawn from other sources. Law‑enforcement officials and some Democrats argue the funding is insufficient to enforce the law, while Newsom claims the broader budget includes billions that can support the measure’s goals.