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Board approves Human Services Department budget as county warns of Medi‑Cal, SNAP risks
Summary
Supervisors unanimously approved the Human Services Department(HSD) proposed 2025–26 budget. Department leaders highlighted accomplishments in housing and employment programs while warning that possible federal and state cuts to Medi‑Cal, CalFresh and other programs could force deeper reductions later in the year.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously June 3 to adopt the Human Services Department(HSD) budget for FY 2025–26 after a presentation by HSD Director Randy Morris and Deputy Director Kimberly Peterson.
Morris outlined the department—s reach—HSD serves roughly one in three county residents—and flagged achievements the board funded in recent years. He told the board HSD programs reached about 4,600 people through Housing for Health activities in the past 12 months and helped 1,384 people into housing across several programs. Morris said the department—s partnerships with the Santa Cruz Housing Authority and community organizations were central to those gains.
Peterson provided a revenue and expense crosswalk. The department proposed a status‑quo budget that used one‑time state funding to finish several housing projects and increased Measure K support for navigation centers and encampment outreach. The budget includes a general‑fund contribution and did not assume additional state or federal cuts.
Both Morris and Peterson warned the board that state and federal proposals could force significant changes. Peterson summarized elements in the governor—s May revise that would affect county programs, including a proposed freeze on Medi‑Cal eligibility for undocumented adults 19 and older and potential reinstatement of asset tests for some aged, blind and disabled enrollees. Morris noted the county currently serves about 85,000 Medi‑Cal enrollees and about 44,000 CalFresh (SNAP) recipients; he said those numbers mean state or federal changes would quickly ripple through county services.
Supervisor response and vote Supervisors praised recent housing gains and the department—s partnerships; several members asked for greater clarity about contingency plans if state or federal funding changes. The board then voted to approve the budget as presented. The clerk recorded the motion and a unanimous roll call: DeSerpa, Cummings, Martinez, Koenig and Hernandez all voted aye.
Why it matters HSD administers the county—s major social‑service programs, including Medi‑Cal eligibility determinations, CalFresh benefits, workforce services, child welfare and homelessness programs. Department officials said federal and state proposals could cause the county to revisit its priorities later in 2025 if the state or Congress amends funding formulas or eligibility rules.
