On May 15 we joined our anti-poverty and labor partners to stand in solidarity against the proposed budget cuts that would be devastating to families, workers, and children. California has a strong economy with many Fortune 500 companies and billionaires, yet we are facing cuts to critical services like immigrant health services and care workers. We believe we should not balance the budget on the backs of the vulnerable, and instead ask corporations to pay their fair share to raise revenues and protect the safety net.

Kyonie Nuez-Terrell, Parent Voices Contra Costa Parent Leader, joined by her 14 year-old daughter Myonie share that CalWORKs has been there for their family through part-time jobs, health issues, domestic violence, and homelessness.But the system meant to help us is failing us, Kyonie continues. “I’ve been homeless and asked for temporary housing help two years in a row – nothing. I found out about Family Stabilization from a parent advocate, not my worker. When I asked about it, I was told I couldn’t apply because I was sanctioned – something I didn’t even know. And no one could explain why. How can I be in this system for 14 years, and still have to chase down information about help I’m eligible for? Why isn’t the County asking me what I want for my future?” Kyonie and other CalWORKs families have dreams. Kyonie’s dream is to open a restaurant and expand her catering business, “Kaipo’s Love”. “Instead, I’ve had my cash grant skimmed multiple times – once, I got $14.61 to survive the month. We don’t have a car, we still don’t have stable housing, and every day is just about survival.”

CalWORKs can be a blessing – but it’s also a burden. When the system doesn’t listen or believe you, when help is hidden behind red tape or bad attitudes, it crushes your spirit. We’re not asking for favors – we’re asking for a fair shot.

KYONIE NUEZ-TERRELL
PARENT VOICES CONTRA COSTA PARENT LEADER

End Child Poverty California’s Yesenia Jimenez also spoke about Governor Newsom’s proposal to cut $50 million from the HOPE — a broken promise to more than 55,000 children who have already endured unimaginable hardship. HOPE Accounts are the largest baby bonds program in the nation. Established in the heart of the pandemic, this groundbreaking program recognizes that building wealth is not just about dollars—it’s about dignity, healing, and hope. “These children have faced loss, instability, and systemic barriers. HOPE is their chance at a financial head start, reduce wealth inequality, and create long-term economic stability. These are young people like Marta DelSur and Fawn Robinson who’ve already begun planning their futures with hope in hand ” said Jimenez.

We recognize that the state is facing a budget deficit—but balancing the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable while maintaining billions in tax breaks for multinational corporations is both excessive and morally wrong.

YEsenia Jimenez, ECPCA

What kind of message are we sending when we tell grieving children and foster youth, “You matter—until it costs too much”? Jimenez asks. “These are the very children California promised to uplift and for some, whose parents paid the ultimate price working as essential workers during the pandemic. To pull that support now is like pulling the chair out from under them.” California is the fourth largest economy in the world. We have the resources. What we need is the political will.

We call on Governor Newsom and the Legislature to fully restore the $100 million to the HOPE Accounts program. These young people have already shaped this program—now it’s time for our leaders to meet them with the dignity, healing, and justice they deserve.

Don’t defer their dreams. Don’t turn our backs on a generation that’s counting on us.