Investing in Health, Safety, and Economic Opportunity for Assembly District 40
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo is advocating for critical investments in the 2026–27 State Budget to protect access to health care, support workers and victims of crime, strengthen the economy, and improve safety.
These budget requests reflect the needs of families, workers, patients, and communities across Assembly District 40.
Budget Requests
- $574 million – Protect Medi-Cal Coverage
- $7.7 million – Prevent Closures of Congregate Living Health Facilities
- $2.4 million – Expand the HEAL Initiative
- $100 million – Support Victims of Crime
- $1 million – Develop a Workforce Pipeline of Safety Inspectors
- $5.14 million – Strengthen State Response to the Chiquita Canyon Landfill Disaster
- $60 million – Expand Access to Regional Center Services
Protecting Access to Healthcare
Strengthening the Medi-Cal Eligibility Workforce ($574 Million)
Federal policy changes under H.R. 1 are expected to create new requirements that could cause millions of Californians to lose health coverage, even if they remain eligible due to additional bureaucracy.
This budget request invests in county workers who help people enroll in, and keep, their Medi-Cal coverage. These workers guide families through complicated paperwork, identify exemptions, and ensure people do not lose coverage due to administrative barriers.
Without this investment, up to 1.4 million Californians could lose their health insurance, increasing pressure on emergency rooms and hospitals which in turn raises healthcare costs for every Californian.
Bridge Funding for Congregate Living Health Facilities ($7.7 Million)
Congregate Living Health Facilities (CLHFs) provide intensive residential medical care for people who require more support than a nursing home can provide, but less than a hospital.
These facilities serve individuals recovering from catastrophic injuries, stroke, and other serious conditions, requiring 24-hour medical care.
However, the daily reimbursement rate for these facilities has not increased in over 40 years, despite dramatic increases in costs. This funding would temporarily increase reimbursement rates to prevent facility closures while the state transitions CLHFs to a managed care payment model. When these facilities close, patients still need care, often relying on significantly more expensive care from hospitals. Bridge funding will help struggling CLHFs remain open until the transition to managed care occurs.
Expanding the HEAL Initiative ($2.4 Million)
California faces a growing shortage of doctors and healthcare providers in underserved communities, creating disparities in who can access needed care throughout the state.
The Health, Equity, Action, and Leadership (HEAL) Initiative trains and places early-career physicians in safety-net clinics, like Federally Qualified Health Centers and Indian Health Clinics.
This funding would expand the program and help recruit and retain doctors in communities that depend on these clinics for care—particularly as federal policy changes threaten healthcare access.
Supporting Victims of Crime
Backfilling Victims of Crime Act Funding ($100 Million)
Programs funded by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) provide essential services to victims of crime, including counseling, housing assistance, legal support, and crisis intervention.
These programs help nearly one million Californians each year and play a critical role in supporting survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, child abuse, elder abuse, and sexual assault.
However, due to reductions in federal funding to VOCA, these programs are at risk. Without state action, many programs will be forced to cut services or close entirely.
Last year the Assemblywoman championed a successful request to backfill the program at $100 million, and this request would also provide $100 million in one-time funding to ensure victims of crime continue receiving the support they need.
Strengthening Worker Safety
Cal/OSHA Workforce Study and Training Pipeline ($1 Million)
California is currently experiencing a severe shortage of workplace safety inspectors. As of late 2025, 33% of Cal/OSHA inspector positions are vacant, with some district offices having vacancy rates above 50%. In fact, California has just one safety inspector for every 99,000 workers. Fewer inspectors means complaints raised by workers enter a backlog of complaints, putting worker safety at risk.
This request funds a study and workforce development plan to identify solutions and recommendations for the legislature to solidify a training pipeline for future inspectors to reduce the backlog of requests and more quickly respond when workers fear for their safety.
Disaster Response and Public Health Protection
Landfill Support, Response, and Enforcement ($5.14 Million)
Communities near the Chiquita Canyon Landfill have endured years of toxic emissions, including methane, benzene, and other hazardous chemicals.
State agencies have been actively responding to the crisis, dedicating over 20,000 staff hours and millions of dollars, but these resources are not explicitly funded and not enough. Additional staffing and resources are needed to ensure proper oversight and to make sure residents are getting the information they need, when they need it, to protect themselves and their families.
The Assemblywoman is urging protection of funding outlined in the January proposal that would support 12 additional state positions dedicated to coordinating response efforts, conducting testing and monitoring, communicating with residents, and ensuring the landfill operator complies with safety requirements.
Expanding Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Regional Center Care ($60 Million)
California’s Regional Centers provide essential services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Currently, individuals are only eligible if their disability begins before age 18. However, federal standards recognize disabilities with onset up to age 21.
This request would update California’s eligibility standard to extend services to individuals whose disabilities begin between ages 18 and 21, many of whom have acquired brain injuries from trauma, illness, or stroke. Expanding this access will help thousands of Californians who could greatly benefit from the services that Regional Centers provide.