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Asalamualaykum Dear Community Members,
I am reaching out with urgent news and an immediate call to action to protect funding for MAS-SSF.
Last week, Governor Newsom released his revised state budget proposal that eliminates funding for two critical programs within the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Health Equity (OHE): the Gender Health Equity Section (GHES) and the California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP). These proposed cuts would claw back funding that has already been awarded through existing contracts to more than 68 community-based organizations—many of which have already launched successful programs and hired staff based on these commitments.
We are at a critical crossroads. Proposed cuts to our funding threatens to dismantle the mental health services our communities rely on—services that have been a lifeline for refugees, immigrants, and marginalized populations across Sacramento and the State of California.
As Executive Director of MAS-SSF, I am urging you—please show up and stand with us at the Capitol tomorrow, May 20th, 2025. Your presence matters. When we show up in numbers, we show our strength. We show that our voices cannot be ignored.
At 9:00 a.m. the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services will be held in the Capitol Annex Swing Space, Room 1200 as part-of the day-long meetings.
At 10:30 a.m. a press conference will be taking place at the CDPH Office location at 1616 Capitol Mall. Your presence will show decision-makers that we are watching, united, and demanding to be heard.
Your opportunity to provide public comment will be between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm. The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health will meet in Room 126 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Below is a recommendation on how to provide your public commment:
"My name is [your name] from [organization/residential city]. I strongly oppose the proposed cuts to the CDPH Office of Health Equity. These cuts would claw back funding that has already been awarded to more than 68 community-based organizations—many of which have already launched successful programs and hired staff based on these commitments. Eliminating this funding midstream would devastate programs that serve our communities across the state."
Please attend if you are able and share this information with your networks. These cuts represent a dangerous rollback of California’s commitment to health equity and underserved communities—and we need to make our voices heard loud and clear.
Your contribution to public comment will put faces and stories to the numbers. Taking advantage of these opportunities shows decision-makers that budget cuts will harm real people—families, refugees, elders, children—who rely on these services for mental health, stability, and survival. Your vocalization will:
Demonstrate Community Power: When many voices speak up, especially from impacted communities, it shows strong, organized opposition. This pressures legislators and public officials to reconsider or reverse harmful funding decisions.
Defend Equity: Funded programs serve populations often left out of mainstream systems. Public comments make clear that cutting this funding is not just a budget decision—it’s a setback to racial, immigrant, and health equity.
Influence the Record: Public comments become part of the official public record. They are heard, documented, and can sway opinions of other stakeholders who may be on the fence.
Empower the Community: Speaking out helps build civic power. For many, especially immigrants or refugees, this may be the first time they speak publicly to elected officials—building long-term advocacy strength.
Myself and our staff will be happy to assist you with any coaching or direction you may need to make an effective public comment. Thank you for your partnership and your continued advocacy.
This is more than funding—it’s about protecting the dignity, healing, and futures of the people and families we serve and strive to keep together. Time is short, but your presence can make the difference between silence and change. Please, stand with us.
In solidarity,
Gulshan Yusufzai
Executive Director, MAS-SSF
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