The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today responded to Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2026-27 state budget released earlier this month, warning that the proposal risks leaving out protections for critical issues, including immigration, civil rights, and community safety.
While key aspects of Gov. Newsom’s proposal aim to shield institutions from increasing hostility from the federal government, the proposal largely chooses to insulate state systems, including schools and reserves, rather than protect California’s communities—particularly immigrant communities who are facing escalating federal immigration crackdowns.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“The Governor’s proposed budget prepares California for anticipated attacks from the federal government, but it does so by only strengthening protections for institutions rather than including families, immigrants, and other vulnerable communities in those investments. While we appreciate efforts to shield state systems, true justice means ensuring that budget priorities meet community needs, not just implementing institutional safeguards. We urge Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders to center people over politics in the state budget.”
He added that CAIR-CA has identified core issue areas missing from the proposed budget to focus its legislative advocacy on in 2026, including immigrant justice, justice reinvestment, and civil rights and education.
CAIR-CA is calling on state leaders to use upcoming budget negotiations to include backfill investments for food and health safety net programs threatened by federal cuts, reinvest savings from prison closures into community-based safety and prevention programs, and ensure that education and security investments protect civil rights without silencing marginalized communities or leaving faith institutions vulnerable.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Communications Director Zaid Hisham, (916) 441-6269 or zhisham@cair.com; CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, (760) 201-7626 or tnizam@cair.com; CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, (408) 498-5779 or ladam@cair.com