A federal government shutdown is severely affecting California residents, from delayed benefits to missed paychecks. State leaders urge building a stronger local safety net amid threats from the Trump administration. California contributes more in taxes than it receives, forcing it to compensate for Washington's dysfunction.
The ongoing federal government shutdown, unfolding in Washington DC, is delivering harsh consequences to California. Residents are experiencing direct hardships: a mother in Fresno awaits her SNAP benefits, a park ranger in Yosemite misses a paycheck, and a veteran in Los Angeles cannot access VA services. Families across the state fear disruptions to doctor visits and medication payments as Medicaid faces potential cuts.
This crisis stems from political brinkmanship and gridlock in Congress, compelling California to address the fallout. For years, the state has sent billions more in taxpayer dollars to the federal government than it receives back—$55 billion in 2021, $101 billion in 2022, and $17 billion in 2023. These funds support national programs, yet California bears the harm when federal services falter.
President Trump and his allies have targeted California for opposing their agenda, including attacks on climate policies, healthcare, and education funding. Threats extend to deploying troops in cities like Los Angeles and Portland. In response, the California Legislative Progressive Caucus emphasizes preparing for federal neglect over the next three years under a Trump administration.
"We must plan like it won’t [come save us]," the article states, advocating for a robust state safety net to protect vital programs, healthcare, and economic stability. Leaders call for revenue solutions that tax the wealthiest and corporations fairly to reinvest in people, closing loopholes and balancing the state budget while substituting abandoned federal services.
Alex Lee, chair of the caucus, and Sade Elhawary, program committee chair, assert that California must lead with compassion and conviction. The state has historically pioneered progress on climate, healthcare, workers' rights, and immigrants, and this shutdown underscores the need to continue that role amid national chaos.