Rules Committee forwards CalHHS undersecretary nomination after broad support from counties, hospitals and advocacy groups

The Senate Rules Committee voted 5‑0 June 11 to forward Ms. Buchanan’s nomination for undersecretary at the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) to the full Senate after a public hearing and multiple public comments in support.

Ms. Buchanan, the governor’s nominee to serve as CalHHS undersecretary, told the committee she brings county‑level implementation experience and emphasized “a deeply held belief, in the vision that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts,” saying coordination across the agency’s 12 departments and five offices is central to her approach. “I bring an eye to the realities of on the ground implementation,” Buchanan said.

Committee members asked about several program areas overseen by the agency, including foster care and protections for vulnerable youth, the state’s Master Plan for Aging and implementation of recommendations from a joint legislative audit of the Office of AIDS. Buchanan said the agency is working with the state auditor and local partners to address any audit recommendations and to strengthen financial controls and oversight where necessary.

There was substantial public support: representatives of county governments, public hospitals, behavioral health associations, disability service providers and housing advocates rose in favor. Supporters included Kelly Brooks (California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems), Kathy Sunderland McDonald (California Pan-Ethnic Health Network), Vanessa Gonzales (California Hospital Association), Tony Anderson (Association of Regional Center Agencies), Malik Bynum (County Behavioral Health Directors Association), Adrienne Chilton (California Alliance of Child and Family Services), George Cruz (California Behavioral Health Association / Steinberg Institute), Catherine Freeman (California State Association of Counties), Farrah McDanting (County Health Executives Association of California), and Divya Shiv (Housing California).

Committee members also pressed Buchanan about the Master Plan for Aging and homelessness among older adults. Buchanan cited local innovations such as shared‑housing models, the Community Care Expansion Program and work to expand long‑term services and supports that allow seniors to age in place.

On foster‑care reforms and protection of children, Buchanan described ongoing interagency tables and technical assistance to local partners that aim to prevent trafficking and to better serve youth with complex needs. “We are doing a lot of technical assistance with our locals,” she said, describing memoranda of understanding and cross‑agency collaboration to improve outcomes for foster youth.

Following the hearing and a public comment period featuring multiple organizational endorsements, the committee moved to forward Ms. Buchanan’s nomination to the Senate floor. The roll call recorded “aye” votes from Senators McGuire, Grove, Caballero, Jones and Laird, producing a 5‑0 vote.

Why it matters: CalHHS coordinates many programs — from Medi‑Cal to public health, mental health, aging services and long‑term care — and the undersecretary role is responsible for cross‑agency implementation and management. The committee heard repeated emphasis on implementation, local partnerships and the need for stronger operational controls where audits recommend change.

What advocates asked for: Supporters urged the committee to confirm Buchanan because of her county‑level experience and prior work on housing, behavioral health and diversion programs; she was endorsed by a broad cross‑section of provider and county organizations.

Next steps: The nomination moves to the Senate floor for a full confirmation vote.