This week, RCRC delegates, including RCRC Chair, Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez; RCRC 1st Vice Chair, Modoc County Supervisor Geri Byrne; RCRC Immediate Past Chair, Butte County Supervisor Doug Teeter; and RCRC Board Members Sierra County Supervisor Lee Adams, and Napa County Supervisor Anne Cottrell, are engaged in productive discussions in Washington D.C. as they meet with Congress Members and Federal Agency leaders on Capitol Hill, to raise awareness of challenges and opportunities in California's rural communities. The delegation has met with Congress Members including Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Napa); Jim Costa (D-Fresno); John Duarte (D-Hughson); Doug La Malfa (R-Richvale); and John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove); as well as Senator Alex Padilla to discuss the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, the need to preserve rural healthcare facilities, the rural partnership network, the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) programs, and telecommunications in California's rural counties, among other critical issues affecting rural communities.
Looking ahead, RCRC delegates are preparing to attend the National Association of Counties (NACo) legislative conference over the weekend, where they will continue to advocate for rural interests at the national level.
Learn more about the 2024 NACo Legislative Conference HERE.