The California State Association of Counties (CSAC), the statewide organization representing all 58 counties, offered this response to the recently released 2021-22 State Budget Proposal.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has engaged the county-state partnership like never before, California’s Counties support significant investments in key priority areas included in Governor Newsom’s 2021-22 Budget Proposal.

From the largest-ever investment in housing to alleviate homelessness to $1 billion for wildfire resiliency and emergency response, the Governor’s budget proposal includes funding for important county-led programs and priorities that are critical to California’s recovery. CSAC remain fully committed to partnering with the state to tackle these issues. In addition to these important investments, there is an immediate need for additional significant funding for county public health services that remain on the front lines of the pandemic.

“As the ‘boots on the ground,’ Counties work on behalf of the state to address local community needs and priorities. Counties celebrate the historic investment to address homelessness and to increase resiliency in our communities. For that we are grateful and stand ready to partner with the Governor and Legislature. But make no mistake, additional significant funding for county public health is desperately needed immediately to support vital local public health services,” said CSAC President and Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore.

“Counties are triaging between COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and vaccinations in addition to providing basic public health services. We appreciate Governor Newsom’s focus on early action, and additional public health support must be part of this plan. We look to the Governor and Legislature for swift action and fiscal relief in these areas,” said CSAC Executive Director Graham Knaus.

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