Packard Foundation Joins 25 Philanthropic Leaders in Commitment to California Communities in Light of Public Charge Final Rule

September 12, 2019 • In Children, Families, and Communities

For decades, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation has supported organizations who work to ensure all children across California have access to quality health and early learning opportunities that help them be healthy, be ready for school, and reach their full potential. Over the years, the tireless work of our grantees, partner funders, and advocates has paved the way for improved coverage and access to quality health care, and critical basic needs that support the aspirations of families and children.

Last fall, the Packard Foundation submitted a public comment opposing a proposed federal rule change that would expand the definition of “public charge” used in immigration proceedings to now include those who rely on healthcare coverage, housing, and food assistance. We underscored that the proposal would drive families away from the services legally available to them that are critical to their children’s health and development, and would have a devastating impact on millions of children, their families, and communities across the nation.

The rule has now been finalized and is scheduled to go into effect on October 15.

Historically, the Packard Foundation has sought ensure that all children birth through five have secure, promising futures. We have worked to secure early childhood education for children across California, and to reduce the numbers of uninsured children across the nation. However, the chilling effect from this “public charge” rule will mean fewer children and families accessing the health, food, and necessary benefits they need to thrive, with an ultimately devastating impact on children, their families, and their communities. This rule contradicts the values we are devoted to as an organization and the work our grantees undertake in our local communities, throughout California, and around the country.

We have therefore joined 25 other philanthropic leaders in signing a letter urging the entire community of philanthropy in California to join us in our recommitment to creating the inclusive California we know is possible, and to support advocacy and direct services organizations fighting to create safe and thriving communities across our state in the face of this new “public charge” rule. Together, we can help create the California we know is possible.

View the Letter

If you are a California funder interested in joining the letter, please contact Deborah Kong at dkong@packard.org to have your name added to our list of signatories. Below is the full list of signatories to the letter, including those who have joined since the letter has been posted.