John Kim highlights HR 1's impact on California healthcare and community safety
July 27, 2025 | Ways and Means: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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Catalyst California's President and CEO, John Kim, delivered a stark warning during a recent government meeting regarding the implications of HR 1 for California's economy and public health systems. He highlighted that the bill, projected to add $3.4 trillion to the national deficit, disproportionately benefits the wealthiest Americans while imposing severe cuts to essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
Kim pointed out that by 2027, the top 0.1% of earners could receive an average tax cut of $109,000, while low-income earners would see a mere $247 annually—equating to just 68 cents a day. He emphasized that these cuts would jeopardize healthcare access for over 3.5 million Californians, as bureaucratic hurdles increase, and threaten the stability of hospitals and clinics in underserved areas.
The proposed reductions to the SNAP program could push 3 million California families into deeper poverty and food insecurity. Kim also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Southern California, exacerbated by federal enforcement actions that instill fear in communities, leading to decreased economic activity and increased isolation.
Financially, California could face a loss of between $112 billion to $187 billion in federal healthcare funding over the next decade, alongside additional burdens on state budgets. Local leaders in Los Angeles County have already projected a $1 billion drain on the health system due to congressional actions.
Kim concluded by urging unity among communities, emphasizing that the real adversaries are those who create divisions while benefiting from the struggles of others. He called for a collective effort to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their background, are supported and included in the economic recovery. The implications of HR 1, he warned, extend beyond California, threatening the well-being of families and communities nationwide.
Kim pointed out that by 2027, the top 0.1% of earners could receive an average tax cut of $109,000, while low-income earners would see a mere $247 annually—equating to just 68 cents a day. He emphasized that these cuts would jeopardize healthcare access for over 3.5 million Californians, as bureaucratic hurdles increase, and threaten the stability of hospitals and clinics in underserved areas.
The proposed reductions to the SNAP program could push 3 million California families into deeper poverty and food insecurity. Kim also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Southern California, exacerbated by federal enforcement actions that instill fear in communities, leading to decreased economic activity and increased isolation.
Financially, California could face a loss of between $112 billion to $187 billion in federal healthcare funding over the next decade, alongside additional burdens on state budgets. Local leaders in Los Angeles County have already projected a $1 billion drain on the health system due to congressional actions.
Kim concluded by urging unity among communities, emphasizing that the real adversaries are those who create divisions while benefiting from the struggles of others. He called for a collective effort to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their background, are supported and included in the economic recovery. The implications of HR 1, he warned, extend beyond California, threatening the well-being of families and communities nationwide.
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