County hears federal and state funding update; supervisors press for advocacy on safety‑net and water issues

Matthew Davis of the County Administrator’s Office introduced Paragon Government Relations and county legislative advocate Karen Lang for an itemized legislative update covering federal and state matters of interest. Rachel Mackey of Paragon told the board Congress passed a continuing resolution on March 14 that maintains FY2024 funding levels and carries near‑term uncertainty for discretionary programs; she noted potential changes to grant timings and the implications for county programs.

Paragon representatives also briefed supervisors about a budget reconciliation package under negotiation in Congress and the risks it poses to safety‑net programs such as Medi‑Cal, CalFresh and CalWORKs. Mackey said the continuing resolution “carries funding over from the past fiscal year” but gives agencies more flexibility, and she warned counties to watch potential program freezes and changes. Supervisors pressed staff to escalate constituent stories to the delegation — particularly concerns about Social Security field offices and potential withholding of benefits — and asked Paragon to secure meetings with Republican offices in Washington so local water and agricultural concerns are heard.

At the state level Karen Lang and Paragon walked the board through a list of bills — including teleconferencing extensions, battery storage siting and exemptions, homelessness proposals, and short‑term rental transparency — seeking direction to support, oppose or monitor. The board recorded consensus or opposition on several items and directed staff to refine technical positions and pursue amendments where needed.