Barbed Wire – May 16, 2025

The weekly newsletter of RCRC and your source for legislative and regulatory news impacting California’s rural counties.

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RCRC's Rural Rundown of the Governor's May Revision of the 2025-26 State Budget

On Wednesday, May 14th, Governor Newson released his Administration’s May Revision of the 2025-26 State Budget. This revision is the next step in the State’s budget negotiations with lawmakers, who must pass a budget by June 15 for the July 1 start of the 2025-2026 fiscal year.  RCRC’s Rural Rundown captures highlights of the latest proposal as it relates to RCRC member counties

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Governor Newsom Seeks to Include RCRC-Sponsored CEQA Measure in Budget Package

On May 14, Governor Newsom unveiled the May Revisions to his proposed budget.  As part of that presentation, he acknowledged and thanked Assembly Member Wicks and Senator Wiener for their efforts to undertake significant California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform in AB 609 (Wicks) and SB 607 (Wiener)

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DHCS Announces First Round of Prop 1 BHCIP Funding

On May 12th, the Department of Health Care Services announced $3.3 billion in grants from the first round of Proposition 1 Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Bond funding. These grants were awarded to counties…

 

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House Agriculture Committee Advances SRS Reauthorization by way of Reconciliation Bill

On May 14, the House Agriculture Committee voted 29-25 along party lines to advance its reconciliation bill. While the measure contains many impactful provisions, perhaps the most notable is the inclusion of reauthorization language for the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. Until now, SRS reauthorization has been stalled in the House of Representatives, despite significant bipartisan support in the Senate

forest in forefront, field and powerlines in the distance

U.S. House Passes Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act

On May 13, the House passed the bipartisan Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act (H.R. 2492) by voice vote. This bill would allow the U.S. Forest Service to

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Visit California Releases 2024 Economic Impact Report and 2025 Forecast

Each year, Visit California publishes an in-depth analysis of the tourism industry’s statewide and county-level economic contributions. The 2024 report reflects the sector’s continued resilience and growth – with travel spending reaching a record high

 

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RCRC Board Member Spotlight: David Griffith (Alpine County) – Executive Committee Member

RCRC is pleased to introduce the subject of the May 2025 Board Member Spotlight, Alpine County Supervisor and RCRC Executive Committee Member, David Griffith…

Bulletin Board

Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of rural county importance.

Weekly News Clips

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.

Supervisor Chris Lopez appointed to California Coastal Commission by Speaker Rivas – KSBW 8 Monterey-Salinas

California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has announced the appointment of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors Chair to the California Coastal Commission. Lopez replaces the board’s current chair, Justin Cummings.

Yosemite’s famous backcountry camps won’t open this summer – San Francisco Chronicle

In another blow to Yosemite National Park amid federal staffing cuts that have curtailed aspects of summertime operations, the park won’t open its vaunted High Sierra Camps this year.

6 CA Hospitals At ‘Immediate Risk’ For Closure, New Analysis Says – Patch

Six struggling California rural hospitals are among 300 nationwide that are at “immediate risk of closure,” a new report says. The report comes as Medicaid changes are contemplated in the House Republican budget bill unveiled earlier this week.

12 gray wolves collared, captured in Northern California – kdrv.com

Siskiyou Economic Development Council (SEDC) Executive Director Tonya Dowse has been named California’s first Local Economic Development Champion by the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED).

Legislative Update

Information related to the current status of legislation impacting California’s rural counties. This report updates in real time.

For a full list of RCRC-tracked legislation, by issue area, use our Legislative Tracking Tool.