FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
January 10, 2025

Contact: Rachael Serrao, Public Affairs Manager

Sacramento, CA – The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) today issued the following statement responding to the January Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

“Today’s budget proposal reflects the values that guide our state, but it must also respond to the evolving realities of ongoing emergencies like the devastating Southern California wildfires,” said CSAC President and Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths.

“Counties are on the frontlines, working tirelessly to protect lives and support recovery,” Griffiths continued. “As we navigate these challenges, we will lean into budget negotiations to ensure the final plan addresses both immediate needs and long-term solutions.” 

The $322.2 billion budget proposal highlights critical areas aligned with CSAC’s legislative priorities and includes opportunities for further budget refinement:

• Homelessness: We are optimistic that the creation of the California Housing and Homelessness Agency will strengthen collaboration efforts. Californians demand visible progress on homelessness; therefore, while advancing frameworks for shared accountability, we must prioritize flexible funding to deliver real results.
• Behavioral Health: Counties are responsible for administering several new behavioral health-related initiatives introduced over the last two legislative cycles. We must prioritize sustained investments to implement Proposition 1, the CARE Act, and conservatorship reform (SB 43), among other initiatives, to support California’s most vulnerable populations.
• Cap-and-Trade: The Cap-and-Trade program, particularly the allocation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), needs to be reevaluated to provide greater flexibility in fund utilization. This flexibility would be critical to support innovative programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen local economies, and deliver additional co-benefits through local projects.

“Counties are central to delivering the vital services Californians rely on,” said CSAC Chief Executive Officer Graham Knaus. “We will work with the Governor and Legislature to ensure this budget strengthens accountability and delivers the resources needed to address today’s urgent challenges while building long-term solutions.”

CSAC appreciates the proposal’s emphasis on supporting existing programs and commitments. As budget discussions progress, counties will advocate for clear implementation frameworks to achieve meaningful outcomes across California’s diverse communities.

California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is the voice of California’s 58 counties at the state and federal level.
www.counties.org

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