Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law that stops the sharing of personal data across state departments to boost enrollment in CalFresh, California’s food assistance program. This shift comes just a year after the same law aimed to do the opposite.
Last year, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks introduced Assembly Bill 518, allowing state agencies to bypass privacy laws and share data to identify those who qualify for CalFresh. The aim was to reach an estimated 2 million Californians who are eligible but haven’t applied yet. Currently, around 5 million Californians benefit from this federal program, but many find the application process daunting.
In recent months, Wicks adjusted her stance on data sharing due to concerns about privacy and potential misuse of information. She highlighted threats from the federal government that could weaponize data against vulnerable populations. In light of these concerns, a new law (Assembly Bill 593) now limits data sharing strictly to what’s necessary for outreach efforts.
The push for data sharing was originally based on the idea that it could streamline enrollment, especially for college students. Many students, like those at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, are unaware of their eligibility, and Wicks aimed to target them effectively. National statistics show that about 200,000 college students in California use CalFresh, yet over half of applications from this group are often turned down due to insufficient proof of eligibility.
Expert opinions support targeted outreach as crucial for helping eligible individuals enroll in state programs. For instance, Tracy Rosenberg of Oakland Privacy emphasizes the need for careful data handling to protect privacy while still making services accessible.
Despite the new law’s limitations, state officials are tasked with gathering demographics of eligible individuals to better target marketing efforts towards underserved communities. This could help improve accessibility for those in need.
In summary, the new legislation marks a significant change in approach—prioritizing privacy while still addressing food insecurity in California. As lawmakers navigate this complex issue, the ultimate goal remains: to connect Californians effectively to the support they need.
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