The House Reconcilition Bill currently in the Senate would gut safety net programs like CalWORKs. CALWORKS provides vital assistance to low-income families, helping them achieve self-sufficiency through job training, education, and childcare support. The program has a proven track record of helping low-income families become self-sufficient and contribute to the economy and is essential for families struggling to make ends meet. It’s funding must be protected!

CalWORKs families have written letters urging California House members Rep. Ken Calvert, Rep. Vince Fong, Rep. Kevin Kiley, Rep. Young Kim, Rep. Doug LaMalfa Rep. Tom McClintock Rep. Jay Obernolte Rep. David G. Valadao to protect the programs that protect California families.

Eva Vasquez is a participant in the CalWORKs program, a parenting student, and soon-to-be graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Cal State LA. She writes asking that the House and Congress reject any proposed cuts to Cash Aid, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and other vital programs that support single-parent families like hers. “As a single parent, full-time student, and part-time employee, life can be incredibly overwhelming—emotionally and financially. The support from CalWORKs and related programs has helped us get through some of the most challenging times. Cash Aid has helped me cover essential expenses like rent and utility bills, ensuring my daughter and I have a stable, safe home. CalFresh has been invaluable—especially with the rising cost of food. Every cent truly counts, and this program has helped ensure that we don’t go without.”

Katina Carranza is a student and parent who found CalWORKs after struggling to find stable work. “These programs are essential. They give individuals like me the opportunity to build a better future through education and training. With this assistance, I can not only provide for my family today but also prepare for a more impactful and sustainable career tomorrow.” CalWORKs has allowed her to support her children and herself while pursuing her education and working part-time at her community college in the Math Division, “where I’ve built meaningful connections and gained a clear understanding of the career paths available to me after graduation.”

Mariam Karaminasyan is also a student and parent and has been involved in both the CalWORKs and CalFRESH programs since she moved to the U.S. These programs have been absolutely essential for her and her family. “CalWORKs and CalFRESH have supported me in so many ways. When I first came to the U.S., these programs helped me get through my ESL classes and eventually helped me pursue and complete college by earning degrees. Recently, my husband had an accident and cannot work. I’m trying to take care of everything by working a part-time job while going to school full time, but it’s still really tough to make ends meet. Without the help of CalWORKs and CalFRESH, I’m not sure how we’d be able to get through this hard time. These programs have helped me provide for my child and keep us afloat while I’m studying and working.”

CalWORKs and CalFresh helped Jocelyn Chau-Goh stay out of poverty. “I once carried a stigma about public assistance—until my family needed it to survive. CalWORKs gave me the opportunity not just to stay afloat but work towards something meaningful. I’ve gained education, job skills, and professional networks that continue to open doors. These programs are not just about surviving hard times, they are about creating lasting change. When families are supported, the impact is inherited through generations.” With CalFresh, Chau-Goh has been able to “been able to put healthy, fresh food on the table. I’ve taken my kids to farmers markets, taught them about nutrition, and used matching programs to stretch every dollar. EBT discounts have given us access to national parks, museums, and the Santa Barbara Zoo—places we could never afford on our own. These moments gave my children more than just joy; they gave them memories, curiosity, and a sense of possibility.”

Andrea Lara Jara points out in her letter that not only are safety net programs like CalWORKs good for families, they are good for the economy. “Food insecurity is linked to $1,800 more in annual health care costs per person1. Meanwhile, every $1 invested in SNAP generates up to $1.80 in local economic activity2. California could lose up to $30 billion in SNAP funding over the next decade3, weakening both families and small businesses.” Lara Jara also reiterates the importance of anti-poverty policy. “CalFresh did not eliminate our struggles, but it kept them manageable. That is what
cost-effective, preventative policy should do.”

Mariam Karaminasyan sums it up clearly, “From a public health perspective, cutting programs like CalWORKs and CalFresh is both harmful and shortsighted. These supports reduce food insecurity, improve health outcomes, and build stronger, more resilient communities. Investing in families like mine isn’t charity, it’s a sound and forward-thinking policy.”

It’s time for Congress to step up and say HANDS OFF CalWORKs and other programs vital for California families. Rep. Ken Calvert, Rep. Vince Fong, Rep. Kevin Kiley, Rep. Young Kim, Rep. Doug LaMalfa Rep. Tom McClintock Rep. Jay Obernolte Rep. David G. Valadao protect CalWORKs and protect the Californians that are counting on you.

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