Extend Obamacare Tax Credits: Calif. Assembly Votes to Pass Resolution Pressuring Congress and White House

February 12, 2026

The California State Assembly passed Assembly Joint Resolution 25 on February 5, which calls on Congress and President Trump to restore enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that were eliminated through Trump's H.R. 1 legislation. The resolution, authored by Democratic Assemblymembers Mia Bonta and Dawn Addis, passed along party lines with a 59-6 vote and now advances to the State Senate for consideration. California Democrats warn that the federal budget reconciliation law will strip billions from the state's healthcare system and force approximately 3.

Who is affected

Approximately 3.4 million Californians projected to lose Medi-Cal coverage
Between 200,000 and 400,000 Central Valley residents expected to lose medical coverage by 2034
400,000 people facing unaffordable premiums this year
Low-income families, disabled and elderly individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and LGBTQ individuals
Safety net healthcare providers operating on razor-thin margins
Middle- and working-class families (according to the federal government's perspective)

What action is being taken

The California State Assembly voted to pass AJR 25 on February 5
The resolution is moving to the California State Senate for consideration
Assemblymember Bonta is conducting a six-stop statewide "Health of Healthcare" tour (held in Oakland, Fresno, San José, San Diego, Santa Rosa, and Los Angeles)
California Democratic lawmakers are urging Congress and President Trump to restore and extend enhanced ACA premium tax credits

Why it matters

This resolution represents a significant conflict between California's state government and federal policy regarding healthcare access and affordability. The potential loss of coverage for millions of Californians, particularly vulnerable populations already facing healthcare challenges, threatens the state's achievement of approximately 94% healthcare access rates. The estimated $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts nationwide over the next decade could fundamentally reshape the American healthcare safety net, with California—as the most populous state—experiencing substantial impacts to its healthcare infrastructure and the wellbeing of its residents who depend on affordable coverage.

What's next

AJR 25 moves to the California State Senate for consideration
No other explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint