Joint County Family Statement on Legislative Budget Agreement

Sacramento, CA – The following statement in response to the Legislative Budget Agreement announced Thursday 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): 

This proposal reflects a clear understanding of the challenges H.R. 1 poses to California’s local communities. With these initial investments in public hospitals, eligibility services and an alternative to indigent care, legislative leaders are taking meaningful action to protect healthcare access and preserve the services residents rely on every day.

We urge the Governor and Legislature to carry these investments through to the final budget agreement. California communities are counting on them.

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 
• Counties are requesting a multi-year state partnership to protect local communities’ access to indigent care, public hospitals, workforce eligibility and behavioral health. 

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