On Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to allocate funding for enhanced menopause care in the upcoming state budget. This came after actress Halle Berry criticized him publicly for vetoing relevant legislation twice.
While speaking at the New York Times’ Dealbook Summit, Berry expressed her disbelief, stating that Newsom “probably shouldn’t be the next president” due to his actions and accused him of being dismissive towards women.
In response, Newsom mentioned his recent interaction with Berry’s manager. He said, “We have the ability to reconcile it, so we are reconciling it,” and confirmed that the issue would be included in next year’s budget.
He suggested that Berry’s remarks might stem from her lack of awareness regarding his ongoing efforts to address the menopause bill, which he had previously declined to sign. “They didn’t understand that we were already in the process of fixing it,” he added.
The bill proposed by Berry aims to mandate health plans to offer information on menopause treatment and ensure healthcare providers receive training in this area. Newsom vetoed the bill, citing worries that it might inadvertently increase healthcare costs for many working women.
As of January 10, Governor Newsom’s office confirmed that plans to expand menopause care would definitely be included in California’s budget. A spokesperson emphasized that the Governor is dedicated to tackling this issue in real time.
Before directing her critique at Newsom, Berry stated, “At this stage in my life, I have no unfinished business.” She continued, highlighting Newsom’s vetoes: “Back in my great state of California, my own Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a menopause bill for not one, but two years in a row. But that’s OK, because he’s not going to be governor forever, and he’s neglected half the population, women, by devaluing us, so maybe he shouldn’t be the next president.”
Although Newsom’s term as California governor concludes at the end of 2026, he has confirmed his intention to run for president in 2028.
