California Counties Hail Budget Agreement
Legislature Approves Spending Plan That Will Assist County Efforts on Many Fronts
Both houses of the California Legislature passed a balanced budget Sunday evening that will support California counties’ efforts to reduce crime and recidivism, begin rebuilding aging local roads and bridges, reduce greenhouse gas emissions statewide, provide more and better treatment for the mentally ill and those struggling with substance use disorders, and offer more services to at-risk children.
“This budget reflects the great working relationship California’s counties have with the Governor, his Administration, and legislative leadership,” said Matt Cate, Executive Director of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC). “We’ve been able to build a real partnership in terms of delivering the programs and services our constituents expect from us. Counties are helping the state safely reduce prison overcrowding, implement health care reform, address the nexus between mental illness and criminal behavior, meet our climate goals, and begin to fix crumbling infrastructure. This budget reflects the value of local county services to the people of California and the priorities we share with California’s elected leaders.”