Contact: Gregg Fishman, Communications Coordinator

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January 10, 2018

SACRAMENTO –The budget proposal released today by Governor Brown’s Administration continues the pattern and philosophy of past budgets. It is fiscally prudent and focused on funding the major initiatives and reforms that counties implement. The 2018/19 budget proposal places a priority on In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Continuum of Care Reform for foster care youth, addressing the growing mental-health crisis in our jails and communities, and transportation infrastructure.

As a result of continued state General Fund support and the economy continuing to grow, at least modestly, revenues remain up, which should improve the year-two IHSS cost shift to counties.

The Governor also recognized the importance of the passage of SB 1 and the new transportation investments under way and planned in the future, appropriating an additional $4.6 billion for transportation infrastructure.  When asked about the impact of potential SB 1 repeal efforts, he indicated that would be devastating to the California economy and would jeopardize projects across local communities. 

Click here for CSAC’s Budget Action Bulletin, an in-depth analysis of the budget proposal and its impact on counties.

“IHSS and transportation infrastructure remain two of our top priorities,” said CSAC President and Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez. “We are really gratified to see their importance reflected in the Governor’s January budget proposal. Overall, this is a very positive budget for California Counties.”

“The Governor’s continued emphasis on stability and planning for the future is extremely helpful to county supervisors and executives who need to know what to expect year to year,” said CSAC Executive Director Matt Cate. “The budget proposal sets aside state revenue in a rainy day fund that can act like a financial shock-absorber for the inevitable economic downturn. And this budget also allows counties to continue delivering critical services to the people of California.”

The Administration has also been working with CSAC and the 13 counties impacted by the recent wildfires and true to their commitment included $24 million in the budget proposal to backfill the property taxes based on current estimates from the northern California counties.  There is a commitment to backfill all lost property taxes, thus the Administration will continue to work with CSAC and impacted counties to determine accurate costs for both the northern and southern California counties and fold those into the May Revision.  

The California State Association of Counties is the voice of California’s 58 counties at the state and federal level.

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