Joint County Family Statement on State Senate Budget Framework

Sacramento, CA — The following statement in response to the California Senate Budget Framework can be attributed to the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), Urban Counties of California (UCC), County Health Executives Association of California (CHEAC), County Medical Services Program (CMSP), California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (CAPH), County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) and County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (CBHDA):

“We’re encouraged the Senate’s framework begins to acknowledge H.R. 1’s devastating federal cuts to local communities. Counties are ready to work with the Senate, Assembly and Governor on a state budget that meaningfully addresses the critical needs of indigent care, public hospitals, eligibility workload and behavioral health. That’s the only way to protect California’s safety net.”

Background/Context:

• H.R. 1 shifts significant federal safety net responsibilities and costs to states and counties, increasing pressure on county-administered programs across California.
• California counties estimate H.R. 1 will result in up to $9.5 billion each year in new costs.
  • Press Release
  • Fact Sheet
• County leaders are requesting $1.9 billion in 2026–27 and $4.5 billion in 2027–28 from the state to help address these impacts.
  • Press Release
  • Budget request summary and full analysis
• Counties are requesting this multi-year state partnership to protect local communities’ access to indigent care, public hospitals, workforce eligibility and behavioral health.

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