RCRC outlines rural priorities: HR1 implementation, forest resiliency, broadband and housing

Representatives of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) briefed El Dorado County supervisors on May 19 about the organization’s strategic plan, legislative platform and affiliated programs aimed at rural counties.

Maryanne Warmer, who leads RCRC’s government affairs team, said RCRC is focused on state and federal advocacy, especially how HR1 implementation could affect indigent care costs for rural counties. She and supervisors discussed possible pilot approaches and budget advocacy in Sacramento to limit county cost exposure.

Warmer also highlighted forest-resiliency funding needs, arguing that the state should sustain or increase investments for wildfire mitigation. She described Golden State Natural Resources’ efforts to develop biomass or chipping markets to convert fuel-load material into marketable products and noted the organization’s interest in long-term Forest Service contracts.

Other RCRC affiliates presented work on rural housing assistance (Golden State Finance Authority), broadband deployment (Golden State Connect Authority) and solid-waste policy through the ESJPA. Warmer said the Rural Advancement Institute supports research and educational tours for legislative staff and chiefs of staff to improve long-term policy understanding.

Supervisor Parland and other supervisors discussed local forestry projects, mill prospects and coordination with state and federal partners.

Why it matters: RCRC represents 40 rural counties and seeks to align state and federal policy with rural needs on health-care funding, wildfire resilience, species management and infrastructure. The presentation underscored the county’s role in regional advocacy and possible programmatic partnerships.

There was no board action; the item was receive-and-file.