On July 11, U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Troy Balderson (OH-12) announced the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral CONNECT for Health Act, which would expand telehealth access for millions of...
On July 16, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the Federal Railroad Administration has terminated approximately $4 billion in unspent federal funding for California’s High Speed Rail project.  At its inception, the project was intended to be...
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties. Henry Nutt III, of American Canyon, has been reappointed to the Contractors State Licensing Board where he has served since 2024. Nutt has been a Preconstruction Executive...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. Weather Service cuts are harming agriculture, worsening wildfire danger, California senators say – Los...
Assembly Bill 531, authored by Assembly Member Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa), seeks to usurp local land use authority for smaller geothermal energy projects under 50MW by allowing developers to bypass local governments and seek approval through the California Energy...
When the One Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1) was signed into law on July 4th, several RCRC priorities were left on the cutting floor. RCRC continues to push for the following federal priorities: Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Although Secure Rural Schools (SRS)...
As part of a coordinated push to streamline environmental permitting, the Departments of the Interior, Energy, and Agriculture each issued revised National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures. These reforms—driven by President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. California thins its forests, then burns the wood. Is there a better way? – Sacramento Bee In...
On Monday, June 30, Governor Newsom signed the package of bills that make up the 2025 State Budget, which took effect immediately upon signature. A number of details remain to be worked out through subsequent legislative action throughout the summer. While the 2025-26...
2024 Photo Contest Winner – Lisa Wilhelmi Perkins RCRC’s 9th Annual Rural County Photo Contest launched on July 1, 2025.  The contest invites individuals to share captivating images that showcase the incredible diversity, breathtaking scenery, vibrant activities, rich...
Senate Bill 769, authored by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced), seeks to establish the Golden State Infrastructure Corporation within the State Treasurer’s Office to offer flexible financing solutions for infrastructure projects throughout California. Specifically,...
On June 30, the Legislature passed and Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 131, which is a budget trailer bill that makes numerous changes to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Responding to widespread criticism about CEQA misuse and delays, Senator Scott...
After an overnight vote-a-rama, the U.S. Senate narrowly advanced the budget reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a 50–50 tie early Tuesday morning. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) were the only...
As reconciliation legislation moves toward final passage, attention is beginning to shift to other bipartisan priorities—including the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) reauthorization. On June 18, the Senate unanimously approved the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act...
A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC’s affiliate entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities. GSNR to Revise DEIR to Reflect a Reduced-Scale Forest Resiliency Project In accordance with the California...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. Governor Newsom Signs Broadest CEQA Reform Ever To Boost Affordability & Cut Red Tape – Senator...
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties. Henry Nutt III, of American Canyon, has been reappointed to the Contractors State Licensing Board where he has served since 2024. Nutt has been a Preconstruction Executive...
Earlier this week, maps began to surface that showed at least 2 million acres of potential USDA Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands that could be liquidated as part of the Senate version of the “Big, Beautiful Budget Bill.” It...
Assembly Bill 28, authored by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita), seeks to create a temperature monitoring and reporting regime for landfills.  Specifically, AB 28 would require landfill operators to continuously monitor and notify the community of...
On June 14, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released the text and section-by-section summary of its reconciliation proposal. The proposal includes Medicaid cuts that are significantly deeper than those in the House-passed version (H.R. 1). Of great potential impact...
Welcome to the next installment of the RCRC Board Member Spotlight, a recurring feature of the Barbed Wire! The Board Member Spotlight is intended to familiarize subscribers with RCRC Board members, providing insights from their background in public service to their...
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties. Marta Barlow, of El Dorado Hills, has been appointed Chief Counsel at the Office of the Inspector General. Barlow has been an Attorney IV at the State Personnel Board...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. A CA county may lose its only hospital because of a dispute over roads – CalMatters Glenn County’s only...
On Friday, June 13, both houses of the Legislature passed the Budget Act of 2025 (Senate Bill 101), on a largely party line vote, following approximately four hours of floor discussion. The Budget Act now proceeds to the Governor’s desk for action. It is expected that...
RCRC, in coalition with our county partners, strongly opposes Assembly Bill 690, authored by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank). This measure would create additional mandates for the provision of indigent defense services, resulting in increased cost pressures to...
On May 16th, CalRecycle released revised draft regulations  implementing Senate Bill 54 (Allen, 2022) related to single use packaging and food service ware.  RCRC provided extensive comments on CalRecycle’s previous regulatory package, which was ultimately abandoned. ...
Earlier this week, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced a pilot effort in partnership with federal and local agencies to combat livestock depredations by gray wolves in Siskiyou County, Sierra County and Plumas County. CDFW will be forming a...
On June 11, Congressman Adam Gray (D-Merced) introduced the Valley Water Protection Act, which would ensure Central Valley farmers and producers receive reliable water deliveries to support their operations. The Act would amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to...
On Tuesday June 10, in a 51-44 vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed Stephen Vaden to serve as Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture. In this role, Mr. Vaden will oversee the department’s daily operations. Vaden previously served as General...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. California Democrat to shrink landline phase-out plan, but bill remains on edge | PoliticoPRO RCRC Policy...
Sarah Dukett
Senior Policy Advocate
Leigh Kammerich
Senior Policy Advocate
John Kennedy
Senior Policy Advocate
Staci Heaton
Senior Policy Advocate
Tracy Rhine
Senior Policy Advocate
Eric Will
Policy Advocate
Mary-Ann Warmerdam
Senior Vice President Governmental Affairs