Assemblymember Arambula Reacts to Governor Newsom Signing Assembly Bill 2795; the Bill Reduces Barriers to Specific Services at Indian Health Clinics

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 2795 authored by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno).

The bill, with Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) as a co-author, reduces administrative barriers to CalWORKS and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) services at Indian Health Clinics in California. Current law authorizes the State to fund Indian Health Clinics that provide substance abuse and mental health treatment services. However, current reporting and reimbursement requirements have rendered these funds nearly inaccessible to these clinics.

Governor Newsom signed AB 2795 on Native American Day in California. AB 2795 also was a priority bill this year for the California Native American Legislative Caucus.

Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula said: “I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for signing AB 2795 and for working with his administration to be able to provide tribal nations with better access to services such as CalWORKS and CalFresh. I also appreciate that Assemblymember Ramos was a co-author, and that the California Native American Legislative Caucus made this one of their priority bills. It is vital that we ensure members of tribal communities have equitable access to safety net programs when needed.”

Assemblymember James C. Ramos said: “Indian Country thanks Assemblymember Arambula for introducing this measure to ensure greatly needed and culturally responsive care in our tribal communities. His bill aids in removing barriers to healthcare and boosts employment for those traditionally underserved. We applaud his work to ensure equitable access for all of California's residents and also thank Gov. Newsom for his approval of this important bill."

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