California’s 58 Counties Honored on the Senate Floor for County Government Month

On April 30, the California State Senate presented Senate Resolution 96, authored by Senator Dave Cortese, recognizing April as County Government Month and honoring the vital role of California’s 58 counties in delivering essential services to residents statewide.

Senator Cortese, who served for 12 years as a Santa Clara County Supervisor, was joined in support by Senator Mike McGuire, a former Sonoma County Supervisor, reflecting their firsthand understanding of the importance and complexity of county government. Their remarks emphasized the essential role of California’s more than 400,000 county employees, who serve as the frontline workforce implementing state and federal programs and responding daily to community needs.

Cortese emphasized the foundational role counties play in state government and public service delivery: “Counties are California’s operational backbone… they implement state and federal programs while remaining accountable to local communities, delivering healthcare, food assistance, public safety, and elections administration to 39.5 million residents every single day.”

McGuire, in turn, highlighted the role of county leaders during this period of uncertainty related to H.R.1 implementation: “And I’m grateful that county leaders are standing up, standing strong, and speaking out about the need for assistance.”

The resolution highlighted the leadership of CSAC and the frontline work of county employees, with CSAC CEO Graham Knaus, CSAC President and Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, First Vice President and Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, and Lake County Supervisor Bruno Sabatier present to receive the resolution on behalf of California’s counties.

Watch the Presentation of the Resolution: