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Contact: Gregg Fishman, Communications Coordinator
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SACRAMENTO – The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) applauds the Governor for once again striking a delicate balance between maintaining fiscal discipline and investing in critical programs important to all Californians. Counties have recently partnered with the Governor on major reforms in public safety, health care and water to seek solutions that address many of the State’s pressing problems. This budget proposal continues these commitments and invests in California’s future.

“There are thousands of competing needs in California,” said CSAC President Vito Chiesa, a Stanislaus County Supervisor. “We appreciate the Governor listening to our voice and shaping a budget that considers counties’ views. He understands the importance and benefits of paying down the debt owed to California counties; that money flows into local programs that help Californians in very real ways.”

Chief among CSAC’s interests has been repayment for mandates owed to local governments for more than a decade. The Governor’s budget proposes an additional $533 million to accelerate that debt repayment. Of that, 73 percent or $390 million would go to counties to help enhance public safety and provide health care and other vital services.

“It is great news for counties that the Governor has proposed to accelerate the reimbursement to local governments for mandate claims that have been owed for years,” said San Diego County Supervisor Dave Roberts, CSAC’s Second Vice President. “This part of the Governor’s budget proposal moves California much closer to eliminating its overall long-standing debt and delivers on a promise made to public agencies. California’s 58 counties are well positioned to make the best use of those funds helping the 38 million people we collectively represent.”

CSAC is also pleased that the Governor included financial support for advancing important reforms in public health, public safety, and infrastructure programs that counties have significant roles in implementing. Counties also thank the Governor for including $150 million in current-year funding for county administration of the Medi-Cal program. 

There is also funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes and County Fairs—both of which assist our rural communities that have not necessarily experienced the same pace of economic growth as other regions of the state.

 “County Fairs are important icons of California’s agricultural heritage,” said Amador County Supervisor and CSAC First Vice President Richard Forster. “Unfortunately, fairgrounds statewide have really suffered in the past 10 years or so. The Governor’s proposal can help whittle down the deferred maintenance to some degree, and I am gratified that the Governor is including fairs among the states competing priorities.”

“We look forward to continue to work with the Governor and Legislature on this year’s budget,” said CSAC President Chiesa. “Counties have an important role to play in helping inform the decisions that set priorities and shape the final spending plan.”

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