Protecting Healthcare for California’s Most Vulnerable

Protecting Healthcare for California’s Most Vulnerable 

Proposed federal budget cuts could take away billions from California’s Medi-Cal program, putting nearly 15 million people throughout the state, including seniors and children, at risk of losing critical healthcare coverage such as access to prescription drugs, vision care, preventive and wellness services, and behavioral health services.   

These cuts would severely impact a wide range of essential healthcare services, threatening local hospitals and clinics. In Santa Clara County alone, $1.9 billion in Medi-Cal funding is on the line, jeopardizing care for our most vulnerable neighbors. 

We must act now to protect Medi-Cal and ensure continued access to vital healthcare services for all Californians. Contact your representatives today and voice your opposition to these detrimental cuts.  Learn more about our advocacy efforts and how our Health Team is working to safeguard healthcare access for all Californians: Health — Law Foundation of Silicon Valley.

Federal Policy Changes Affecting the Trans Community

Many of the Executive Orders issued by the new presidential administration have targeted and broadly discriminated against transgender people. Examples of the attacks include restricting passports, school censorship, and slashing funding for LGBTQ+ programs. See the article, All the Ways Trump Wants to Exclude People From Public Life.  

One of the first Executive Orders prevented people from having a passport with a gender marker different than their sex assigned at birth and eliminated the non-binary designation on US passports. It also prohibited the Social Security Administration from changing someone’s gender marker to affirm their gender identity.   

Despite the significant impact on Federal agencies, California laws remain unchanged and the Santa Clara County court continues to process name and gender marker change petitions. California residents are also able to obtain California-issued identity documents that align with their gender expression and identity.  

Our Pro Bono Program has been closely tracking litigation, participating in statewide collaboratives, and joining community meetings to stay up-to-date on how policy changes are impacting our community. For our transgender clients who want to change their name with the Social Security Administration (SSA), our Pro Bono Program has partnered with the Health Program so that a Health advocate can accompany a client to their appointment to provide support and ensure the name change process is approved.  

We are committed to supporting the rights of our LGBTQIA+ community and will provide updates as more information becomes available. 

As Shakina, Trans Activist and Performer, says: 
“The government cannot control my sense of self. The government cannot legislate my spirit. The government can try to make life harder, but community makes me stronger.” 

📞 Need help? Call us at 408-280-2420 for questions about name and/or gender marker changes in Santa Clara County. We're here for you. 

Law Foundation doubles down on commitment to advance a just and equitable Silicon Valley

Justice can’t wait.  

With the outcome of the election, we’re reminded once again of the work that lies ahead. Under any administration, the impact of inequitable policies is felt most deeply by families living in poverty, communities of color, immigrants, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others who have been marginalized. 

At the Law Foundation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to a more just and equitable Silicon Valley where everyone thrives—no exceptions. 

As we have over 50 years, we will continue advocating for the rights of our clients in housing, healthcare, and child advocacy. We remain dedicated to changing unjust systems in partnership with our community. Together, we can keep making strides in addressing the challenges of poverty, racism, and the lack of safe, affordable housing that affect so many in Silicon Valley.  

Today, our work continues. Through legal services and policy advocacy, we will support children and youth, low-income families and individuals, and communities of color. We’re here to stand with our clients, and ensure they never face these challenges alone.  

Thank you for standing with us. We invite you to deepen your engagement with the Law Foundation and to support other organizations advancing justice. 

Learn more or get involved:   lawfoundation.org/donate | lawfoundation.org/volunteer