Thousands in Monterey County Face Losing Health Care, Food Aid

U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz holds forum with local leaders to discuss proposed federal cuts.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:21pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray image showing the delicate internal structures of a human heart and lungs, conceptually representing the vital health care services that could be impacted by proposed federal cuts.A revealing X-ray image sheds light on the critical health care services at risk for vulnerable populations in Monterey County.Palm Desert Today

Thousands of residents in Monterey County, California, are at risk of losing critical health care and food assistance benefits if President Trump's proposed "One Big Beautiful Bill" legislation is enacted, according to U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz and local health leaders who held a forum to discuss the potential impacts.

Why it matters

The proposed federal cuts would disproportionately impact low-income and vulnerable populations in Monterey County, which has a large number of residents relying on Medicaid and other social safety net programs. The loss of these vital services could lead to significant hardship and public health concerns for the community.

The details

The "One Big Beautiful Bill" legislation, proposed by the Trump administration, would consolidate and significantly reduce funding for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other social welfare programs. U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz, who represents California's 36th congressional district, convened a forum with local health and community leaders to discuss the potential impacts of these proposed cuts on Monterey County residents.

  • The forum was held on July 30, 2025.
  • The "One Big Beautiful Bill" legislation is currently under consideration in Congress.

The players

Raul Ruiz

U.S. Representative for California's 36th congressional district, who organized the forum to discuss the potential impacts of the proposed federal cuts on Monterey County.

Monterey County

A county in California with a large number of residents relying on Medicaid and other social safety net programs that could be impacted by the proposed federal cuts.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let vulnerable populations in Monterey County lose access to critical health care and food assistance. These proposed cuts would be devastating for our community.”

— Raul Ruiz, U.S. Representative

What’s next

U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz and local leaders plan to continue advocating against the proposed federal cuts and exploring ways to mitigate the potential impacts on Monterey County residents.

The takeaway

The proposed federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other social welfare programs could have severe consequences for low-income and vulnerable populations in Monterey County, highlighting the importance of protecting vital social safety net services at the local and national level.