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Federal policy, potential earmarks and shutdown risk outlined for Sutter County
Summary
A federal update to the Sutter County board covered recent reconciliation legislation affecting SNAP, Medicaid, and taxes; the precarious status of a short‑term continuing resolution; and two FY2026 earmark requests totaling up to $1.9 million for radios and wastewater projects, with staff cautioning funding is not guaranteed.
Jeremiah Van Auken of The Ferguson Group briefed the Sutter County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 23 about federal actions that could affect county programs and funding.
Van Auken summarized a large reconciliation package enacted earlier in the year and described proposed changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules and Medicaid, including discussed work requirements and state cost‑match provisions. He said the package modifies work requirement language and phases in administrative cost‑share changes that reduce federal contributions for some activities.
Van Auken warned the board that a continuing resolution needed to keep the federal government operating past the end of the fiscal year could fail without agreement on extensions to Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. "There is a distinct possibility that the federal government shuts down," he said, noting that a shutdown could last days or weeks and affect open‑enrollment timing and premiums.
On appropriations, Van Auken said Sutter County has two FY2026 earmark requests included in Senate appropriations drafts — for sheriff’s radios and a wastewater‑reliability project in Robbins — that together total about $1.9 million. He emphasized that earmarks are not guaranteed and depend on final appropriations choices or inclusion in any continuing resolution.
The consultant also outlined work expected in Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act, FEMA reform and the Water Resources Development Act, and recommended continued county advocacy and participation in forthcoming federal appropriations and farm‑bill discussions.
Supervisors had brief Q&A with Van Auken on the farm bill and timing; staff noted ongoing county engagement with congressional offices and suggested continued outreach during the fall appropriations process.
