__SALUTATION__

I know many of you are deeply concerned about the cuts to healthcare coming out of Washington, DC; so am I. It's no secret that the "Big Ugly Bill" will lead to less care right here in AD16. We are hearing from our own hospitals and safety net clinics that they will not be able to keep their doors open if nothing changes.

I want you to know that I, and the other legislative leaders in California, are doing everything we can to protect your healthcare here and across the state. On Wednesday, the legislature and the Governor allocated $90 million in emergency funding for healthcare providers like Planned Parenthood. This will help keep the doors open at clinics, including the one right here in Walnut Creek that provides critical, life-saving health care, including:

• Cancer screenings and breast exams
• Mental Health Services
• Prenatal and Postpartum Services
• Vaccinations
• Sexual education
• Comprehensive reproductive health care
• Safe and legal abortion services
• And more

This critical investment comes in direct response to President Trump and Congressional Republicans' H.R. 1 spending bill (the "Big Ugly Bill"), which banned California's Planned Parenthood centers from Medicaid reimbursement for one year- a calculated attack designed to shut down essential healthcare services.

But California stepped up.

I joined Governor Newsom and state leaders in ensuring that quality care remains accessible across our state. We're not just defending rights- we're putting real dollars behind our values to keep clinics open and serve our communities.

My best,

Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Assemblymember, 16th District