Office of Legislative Affairs - "The Friday Wrap-Up"

 
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CEO/Office of Legislative Affairs - The Friday Wrap-Up
May 16, 2025 Volume 11 Issue 19
 
Board Actions

The Board of Supervisors will meet on May 20, 2025, at 9:30 am. Notable actions include the following:

Discussion Items

County Executive Office

 

76.   Approve grant applications/awards submitted in 5/20/25 grant report and other actions as recommended - All Districts

77.   Approve recommended positions on introduced or amended legislation and/or consider other legislative subject matters - All Districts

The next Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2025, at 9:30 am.

 
Table of Contents
orange arrow Board Actions
orange arrow County Legislation Position
orange arrow Sacramento Update
orange arrow Washington D.C. Update
orange arrow Weekly Clips
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County Legislation Position


 
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Sacramento Update
Prepared by Precision Advocacy

Governor Gavin Newsom released the May revision of his January budget proposal on May 14. Since his proposal was introduced earlier this year, L.A. County suffered massive wildfires and the federal administration has proposed huge cuts to states - in particular, in the health care arena. Below is a high-level snapshot of the budget and proposals we anticipate will impact the county.

The administration is projecting a $12 billion shortfall. General Fund revenues are projected to be $5.2 billion lower over the three-year budget window - 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 - as compared to the January budget, largely due to the downgraded economic outlook. The May revision doesn’t incorporate the impact of federal cuts currently under consideration in Washington D.C.

The governor proposes to address the funding shortfall through:

  • $5 billion in reductions, increasing to $14.8 billion by 2028-29.
  • $5.3 billion in revenue/borrowing.
  • $1.7 billion in fund shifts in 2025-26.

 

Housing and Homelessness

The May Revision contains no new funding for housing or homelessness, however, does include $200 million from Proposition 35 funding for rental assistance and housing support for individuals with behavioral health conditions who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

 

Health and Human Services

Medi-Cal: The May revision largely focuses on Medi-Cal reductions related to the undocumented expansion, including:

  • An enrollment freeze for undocumented adults 19 and older effective no sooner than January 1, 2026, for General Fund savings of $86.5 million in 2025-26, increasing to $3.3 billion by 2028-29.
  • Charging Medi-Cal premiums of $100 per month for undocumented adults 19 and older beginning January 1, 2027, for General Fund costs of $30 million in 2025-26, $1.1 billion of General Fund savings beginning in 2026-27, increasing to $2.1 billion by 2028-29.
  • Eliminate per visit payments to community clinics and instead pay fee-for-service rates for services provided to undocumented Californians, for General Fund savings of $452.5 million in 2025-26 and $1.1 billion annually ongoing.
  • Reducing long-term care, In-Home Supportive Services, and dental benefits for undocumented adults 19 and older for General Fund savings of $491.8 million in 2025-26 and $1.3 billion ongoing.
  • Implementing a rebate aggregator to secure state rebates for drugs provided to undocumented immigrants, for General Fund savings of $375 million in 2025-26 and $512 million ongoing.

Additional proposed reductions include the following:

  • Reinstate the Medi-Cal asset limit for seniors and disabled adults of $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple, effective no sooner than January 1, 2026, for General Fund savings of $94 million in 2025-26, $540 million in 2026-27, and $791 million ongoing.
  • Eliminate coverage for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss effective January 1, 2026 for General Fund savings of $85 million in 2025-26, growing to $680 million by 2028-29 and ongoing.
  • Limit the payments for Program of All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) providers to the midpoint of actuarial rate ranges, except for newly enrolled providers receiving enhanced rates for the first two years for General Fund savings of $13 million in 2025-26 and $30 million ongoing.
  • Eliminate approximately $504 million in 2025-26 and $550 million ongoing for Proposition 56 supplemental payments to dental, family planning, and women’s health providers.
  • Replace $40 million General Fund in 2024-25 and $45 million General Fund in 2025-26 for the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program and $55 million General Fund for Behavioral Health Transformation County Funding in 2025-26 with Behavioral Health Services funds.
  • Eliminate acupuncture as an optional benefit for General Fund savings of $5.4 million in 2025-26 and $13.1 million ongoing.

Medi-Cal investments include $31.5 million in 2025-26 to support maintenance and operations of myCAVax – California Vaccine Management System.

Proposition 35 Managed Care Organization (MCO) Tax

  • Revenue of $9 billion in 2024-25, $4.2 billion in 2025-26, and $2.8 billion in 2026-27 to support Medi-Cal. Increase of $1.1 billion in 2024-25 and decreases of $200 million in 2025-26 and $400 million in 2026-27. $1.6 billion across 2025-26 and 2026-27 will support increases in managed care payments for primary and specialty care, ground emergency medical transportation, and community and hospital outpatient procedures.
  • $200 million is included in the May revision for rental assistance and housing support for individuals with behavioral health conditions who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Behavioral Health Services Act: The administration proposes eliminating $20 million annually that supports peer respite, maternal behavioral health, and full-service partnership performance contracting programs.


In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

  • Requires counties to assume costs to cover IHSS Community First Choice Option reassessment late penalties, for $81 million General Fund savings in 2025-26.
  • Caps IHSS provider overtime and travel hours at 50 hours per week beginning in 2025-26 to save $707.5 million General Fund ongoing.
  • Eliminates the IHSS Residual Program for $110.6 million General Fund savings in 2025-26.

 

Family Urgent Response System (FURS): Reduces FURS by $13 million General Fund in 2025-26 and ongoing, and maintains $17 million General Fund ongoing for FURS, which provides 24/7 mobile response for children in foster care and their caregivers.

Emergency Child Care Bridge: The administration proposes to reduce funding for the Emergency Child Care Bridge program, which provides child care for children in foster care, by $42.7 million General Fund in 2025-26 and ongoing.

CalWORKs: The May revision proposes expanding allowable welfare-to-work activities, making Job Club an optional welfare-to-work activity, simplifying the curing of sanctions, and replacing the county welfare-to-work reporting requirements with administrative data extracts, for an $18.2 million ongoing total fund savings.

Trigger Spending: $456.1 million would be triggered on in 2027-28 contingent upon sufficient resources:

  • $338.9 million in 2027-28, growing to $522.1 million in 2028-29 for a foster care tiered rate structure.
  • $117.2 million in 2027-28 growing to $163.2 million in 2028-29 for the California Food Assistance Program expansion.

 

Public Safety

California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Justice-Involved Initiative Program Support: Reimbursement authority of $21.5 million in 2025-26 and $11 million ongoing and 65 positions ongoing to support implementation of the CalAIM Justice-Involved Initiative and to account for federal reimbursements is included in the May revision. Additionally, a reduction of $6.2 million General Fund in 2025-26, an increase of $3.8 million General Fund in 2026-27, and a reduction of $11 million General Fund ongoing is proposed.

Community Corrections Performance Incentive Grant: $127.9 million General Fund in 2025-26 to support the Community Corrections Performance Incentive Grant, SB 678 (Leno), Chapter 608, Statutes of 2009, which provides incentives for counties to reduce the number of felony probationers sent to state prison. 

Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST) Infrastructure Grant Program: The administration proposes a

reduction of $232.5 million General Fund included in the 2022 Budget Act from unspent grant funds for counties to increase residential treatment housing capacity for individuals designated IST.

 

Miscellaneous

Cap-and-Trade: Set to expire in 2030, the May revision extends the program until 2045. Proceeds have funded nearly $33 billion in investments across the state. The governor proposes to rename the program to the cap-and-invest program and enshrine in guiding principles enabling a stable and predictable price on carbon pollution. He also proposes to designate at least $1 billion annually in cap-and-trade revenues to the High-Speed Rail project.

Governor Encourages Homeless Encampment Ordinances

On May 12, Governor Newsom issued a press release encouraging all local jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance restricting public camping. The administration acknowledges in the preamble to the model ordinance that local jurisdictions are expected to tailor their ordinances to account for local differences and priorities. The governor recommends that 3 basic principles be included in the ordinances - criminal punishment should not be infringed on individuals if a jurisdiction does not offer adequate shelter, shelter and services must be prioritized, and local governments must have adequate authority to clear encampments. The governor notes that encampments pose a public safety risk of fire, violence, criminal activity, property damage , break-ins, and unsanitary conditions.

The model ordinance focuses on the unlawful activity of encampments and enforcement. Unlawful activity includes:

  • Constructing, placing, or maintaining a semi-permanent structure for shelter.
  • Camping on public property for more than 3 consecutive days in the same location (within 200 feet of the location previously camped).
  • Camping within 200 feet of a posted notice to vacate or an encampment clearance.
  • Sitting, sleeping, lying, or camping in a manner that impedes passage.

Under the parameters of enforcement:

  • Local jurisdictions shall identify and offer shelter and supportive services to persons living in encampments.
  • Notices shall be posted at least 48 hours prior to enforcing a notice to vacate an encampment.
  • If it is necessary to clear an encampment without a 48 hour notice, as much notice as possible shall be provided, and a notice at or near the encampment regarding where items were taken, how they can be recovered, and by when they need to be recovered shall be posted.
  • Personal belongings that are not a health or safety hazard shall be collected, tagged, and stored for not fewer than 60 days following an enforcement action.

Joint Informational Hearing on Military and Veterans Affairs

The Assembly and Senate held a joint Military and Veteran’s Affairs Committee informational hearing on Monday. The focus of the hearing was ongoing support for veterans and ensuring access to services including support through the veterans claims process. The for-profit sector was called out for taking advantage of veterans, in particular for charging them for services that are offered free of charge through county veterans services offices and other organizations, often providing poor quality service that creates bigger problems for vulnerable veterans in the long run.

The hearing was chaired by Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Norwalk) and Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clara) and was attended by Assemblymembers Jeff Gonzalez (R-Coachella), Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton), and LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-La Mesa). Panelists included Morgan Boyd, Veterans Services Officer, San Luis Obispo County; Richard Johnson, Veterans Services Officer, Placer County; Deborah Johnson, President/CEO, California Veterans Assistance Foundation; David West, Veterans Services Officer, Nevada County; James Zenner, Director, Military & Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles County; Roberto Herrera, Deputy Secretary, Veterans Affairs; and Katherine Kuzminski, Director of Studies, Center for a New American Security.

The first part of the hearing included representatives of County Veterans Services Offices (CVSO) and focused on the key role they play in supporting California’s 1.4 million strong veteran population, including filing claims, providing housing assistance, and connecting veterans to healthcare.

In 2024 CVSO’s secured $579 million in new VA benefits with a return on investment of $90 for every dollar spent. The program receives $11 million in annual funding from the General Fund, and panelists argued that additional resources are needed to address increased workloads. Panelists also called out the growing threat of for-profit claims agents who exploit veterans and charge them for services that are offered free of charge to veterans through CVSOs. Several panelists decried the practices of these for-profit claims agents and argued for stronger regulation and enforcement.

Panelists picked up an ongoing thread of discussion around veterans moving outside of California for retirement due to affordability and talked about the importance of policy discussions that include tax relief for this group. This thread was included in the Governor’s proposed budget as a state income tax exemption for up to $20,000 in annual military retirement benefits.

Mr. West testified that CVSO’s build lifelong relationships with veterans, advocating for them across decades to ensure their evolving needs are met. CVSO’s connect California's veterans and their families to the benefits and services they earned. He said that recent data confirms the reach and efficacy of CVSO’s work. Although California is home to approximately 8% of the nation's veteran population, CVSOs in the state submitted 12% of all claims received by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs last year.

Panelists emphasized the good work that CVSO’s are doing in connecting veterans to services on a personal level and the need to increase funding and resources for these services. Legislators explored additional ways to get the word out to veteran communities and educate them about the risks of for-profit claims consultants.

Upcoming Hearings

Agendas are typically posted on the committee websites in the Assembly and Senate a few days prior to the hearings. To view hearings after they take place, you may access them in the Assembly or Senate media archives where they are generally available within a few hours of committee adjournment.


Monday, May 19, 9:00 a.m.     

Senate Budget And Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government

State Capitol, Room 113

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Monday, May 19, 2:30 p.m.

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health

State Capitol, Room 126

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Monday, May 19, 2:30 p.m.

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 On Public Safety

State Capitol, Room 447

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Monday, May 19, 3:00 p.m. (Or Upon Adjournment of Session)

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services

1021 O Street, Room 1200         

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Tuesday May 20, 9:00 a.m.      

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 447

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Tuesday May 20, 9:00 a.m.

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services

1021 O Street, Room 1200

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Tuesday May 20, 9:00 a.m.

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation

State Capitol, Room 112

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Tuesday May 20, 9:30 a.m.

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation

State Capitol, Room 437

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Tuesday May 20, 9:30 a.m.

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration

State Capitol, Room 444

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Tuesday May 20, 2:30 p.m.      

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health

State Capitol, Room 126            

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Wednesday, May 21, Upon Call of the Chair

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 447 

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues

Wednesday, May 21, 9:00 a.m.

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services

State Capitol, Room 126

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues

Wednesday, May 21, 9:00 a.m.

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education

1021 O Street, Room 2100 

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Wednesday, May 21, 9:00 a.m.

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy

1021 O Street, Room 2200 

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Wednesday, May 21, 1:30 p.m.

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration

State Capitol, Room 444

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Wednesday, May 21, 1:30 p.m.

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government

1021 O Street, Room 2200 

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Wednesday, May 21, 1:30 p.m.

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation

State Capitol, Room 112 

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Thursday May 22, Upon Call of the Chair

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration

State Capitol, Room 444

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Thursday May 22, 9:00 a.m.

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education

1021 O Street, Room 2100

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Thursday May 22, 9:00 a.m.

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy

1021 O Street, Room 2200

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues


Friday, May 23, Upon Call of the Chair

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration

State Capitol, Room 444

May Revision: All Departments - Open Issues

 

Grant Opportunities

Below is a list of the latest grant opportunities released by the state. All opportunities for local jurisdictions may be found here.


Deadline:
8/14/24 00:00

Title: Youth Community Access (2024)

State Agency / Department: CA Natural Resources Agency

Match Funding? No

Estimated Total Funding: $18,300,000

Funding Method: Reimbursement(s)


Deadline:
8/29/25 11:59

Title: GFO-23-312r2 – Round 2 Community Energy Reliability and Resilience Investment (CERRI) Program

State Agency / Department: CA Energy Commission

Match Funding? 33%

Estimated Total Funding: $51,867,013

Funding Method: Reimbursement(s)

 
Deadline: 5/30/25 12:00

Title:Technical Assistance Program 2022 Special Grant Project

State Agency / Department: Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development

Match Funding? 100%

Estimated Total Funding: $543,000

Funding Method: Reimbursement(s)

 
Deadline: 7/16/25 17:00

Title: Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation (2025)

State Agency / Department: CA Natural Resources Agency

Match Funding? No

Estimated Total Funding: $8,000,000

Funding Method: Advances & Reimbursement(s)

 

Governor’s Press Releases

Below is a list of the governor’s press releases beginning May 7.

May 14: Despite Trump Slump, Governor Newsom’s revised budget delivers on housing, education, water, and jobs

May 14: A pesar del Tumulto de Trump, el presupuesto revisado del Gobernador Newsom ofrece resultados en materia de vivienda, educación, agua y empleo

May 14: Governor Newsom’s budget calls for fast-track of critical water infrastructure project

May 13: California’s groundbreaking water initiative in Tombstone helps residents access safer and cleaner drinking water

May 13: Governor Newsom’s budget to help lower drug costs, expand authority to access medication abortion through CalRx

May 13: Governor Newsom seeks injunction to immediately stop Trump tariffs

May 13: Sacramento breaks ground on project to transform underutilized state land into affordable housing community

May 12: WEDNESDAY: Governor Newsom to release revised budget plan in Sacramento

May 12: Governor Newsom announces billions of dollars for behavioral health treatment facilities and services for seriously ill and homeless thanks to Prop 1

May 12: Governor Newsom releases state model for cities and counties to immediately address encampments with urgency and dignity

May 11: TOMORROW: Governor Newsom to make statewide funding announcement to address California’s mental health and homelessness crisis

May 9: Governor Newsom proclaims Older Californians Month

May 9: California launches new AI-powered chatbot that provides wildfire resources in 70 languages

May 9: Governor Newsom appointed co-chair of U.S. Climate Alliance

May 8: Governor Newsom announces appointments 5.8.25

  • Gena Castro Rodriguez, of Daly City, has been appointed to the Board of State and Community Corrections
  • Joshua Yang, of Huntington Beach, has been appointed to the Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee
  • Katie Nair, of Roseville, has been appointed to the Board of Registered Nursing
  • Jovita Dominguez, of Castroville, has been reappointed to the Board of Registered Nursing
  • John Russell, of El Dorado Hills, has been appointed to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
  • John Bolton, of Huntington Beach, has been appointed to the Private Security Disciplinary Review Committee South
  • Jeffrey Dodd, of Napa, has been appointed to the 25th District Agricultural Association Napa Town & Country Fair Board

May 8: Governor Newsom issues statement on Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope

May 8: California businesses in near-universal compliance with prohibition of intoxicating hemp products harmful to youth

May 8: Governor Newsom announces upgrades to 21 state fish hatcheries to boost salmon populations

May 7: Governor Newsom, Superintendent Thurmond announce over $618 million to support another 458 community schools

May 7: Governor Newsom announces judicial appointments 5.7.25

  • Associate Justice Helen Zukin, of Los Angeles County, has been nominated to serve as Presiding Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Four
  • Judge Mark Hanasono, of Los Angeles County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three
  • Judge Armen Tamzarian, of Los Angeles County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Four
  • Melissa Baloian, of Fresno County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Fresno County Superior Court
  • Syna Dennis, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court
  • Hoa Hoang, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court
  • Lara Bazán, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court
  • Brenda C. Robinson, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court
  • Maria Jhai, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court
  • Michael Mooney, of Orange County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court
  • Martin Tejeda, of Yolo County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Sacramento County Superior Court
  • Jihan Maloney, of San Diego County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Diego County Superior Court
  • Teresa Martinez, of Santa Barbara County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court
  • Christopher Van Meir, of Santa Clara County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court
  • Carol Hubner, of Ventura County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Ventura County Superior Court

May 7: California sues Trump administration for illegally withholding billions in bipartisan infrastructure funds: ‘Another Trump gift to China’

May 7: Tale of two trains: California high-speed rail leaves Texas in the dust

May 7: State invests nearly $33 billion in cap-and-trade dollars to make communities cleaner and healthier.

May 7: Governor Newsom proclaims Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

 
 
Washington D.C. Update
Prepared by Townsend Public Affairs

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH ACTIVITY  

House Budget Reconciliation Markups Are Complete, Now onto the Budget Committee

The House is on its way to completing their work on the budget reconciliation bill enacting major portions of President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda. This is what the President has been referring to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), temporarily increases deductions, increases the debt limit by $4 trillion, and mandates sweeping changes to the scope of federal programs.

All of the House committees have now proposed and advanced their sections, sending them to the House Committee on the Budget to be compiled into a final package. For more information on each committee’s markup see the information below:

Congressional leaders still face hurdles as parts of the bill text remain controversial. A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate of an earlier draft of the Energy and Commerce markup showed 10.3 million people could lose Medicaid coverage, and 7.6 million could remain uninsured. SNAP changes in the Agriculture text include requiring states to pay 5% of benefits and penalties for high levels of improper payments. A group of moderate Republicans hailing primarily from New York and California are pushing for an increased State and Local Tax Deduction limit (SALT Cap) over the $30,000 in the proposed language. The Joint Committee on Taxation scored a pared down section of the Ways and Means tax proposal, stating at the markup that it would cost the federal government $3.1 trillion over the next nine years.

Speaker Johnson has remained committed to seeing the bill pass out of the House before the Memorial Day recess begins on May 22. A tentative budget committee markup is scheduled for Friday, May 16.


Senators Indicate They May Change the Reconciliation Package

With the House budget reconciliation package potentially on its way to the Senate next week, Senate leadership continues to work its way through the proposals. The primary benefit of reconciliation is reducing the Senate threshold for passage to 51 votes from 60, but certain conditions must be met.  

One of those conditions is called the “Byrd Rule.” The Byrd Rule prevents “extraneous policy riders” from being included in reconciliation packages. All provisions in a package must be nominally spending or deficit related and must have some form of budgetary impact that is more than “merely incidental” to the proposed change. As scoring becomes available on the full House language, the Senate Parliamentarian will have to assess and rule on provisions in the package that may violate the Byrd Rule, leaving the Senate to amend those sections in what is often called a “Byrd Bath.”

Senate Republicans have been warning their House counterparts that language rescinding energy tax credits will be removed in the Senate. Cost sharing proposals for working Medicaid recipients are also controversial along with state healthcare provider taxes. Moderate Republicans have already indicated their reservations on these issues, and we expect more to emerge.

 

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Updates the X Date to Mid-August, Setting a Hard  Deadline for Reconciliation

The Debt Limit (sometimes called the Debt Ceiling) is the maximum amount of money the U.S. government is authorized to borrow to meet its legal obligations, such as Social Security benefits, salaries, interest payments, etc. Hitting the Ceiling would lead to delayed payments for some government activities and/or a default on the government’s debt obligations. Congress must raise the Ceiling before the X Date, when the national debt reaches the limit.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson on May 9 placing the X Date in mid-August, when Congress will be in recess. Due to the recess, and the volatility approaching the X Date can cause, Sec. Bessent effectively put a mid-July deadline on passing the debt limit increase being considered as part of the reconciliation process.


House and Senate Appropriations Committees Hear from HHS, EPA and DOT on the President’s Skinny Budget Request

The normal appropriations process continued this week as the House and Senate appropriations committees heard from more cabinet members on the President’s “skinny” budget request.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr (RFK), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy testified May 14 to 16 on the proposed FY26 budget for their departments.

The President’s skinny budget request, a less detailed breakdown of the Administration’s priorities, is broadly considered to be a statement of values more than a negotiating framework that Congress will use. The testimony this week is broadly preliminary, as we await a full budget request from the Administration that is anticipated at the end of May.

Congress is also fast approaching their final deadlines to make earmark requests. May 23 is the last deadline for offices to submit their requests to the Appropriations committee, after which public disclosures are expected within 2 weeks. If the committee intends to complete the appropriations process by September 30 this year, we will likely see draft language in early June for markup and floor votes in the House in early July.

 

Senate Said to be Considering Overriding Parliamentarian on California Clean Air Act Waivers

The House passed a series of Congressional Review Act (CRA) disapproval resolutions related to California’s preemptive waivers under the Clean Air Act (CAA) the week of April 28. These waivers allow California to enforce higher emissions standards and adopt stricter regulations than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which other states can choose to follow. The House-disapproved waivers allow for California’s ban on the sale of gas-powered cars, an effort to force truck manufacturers to sell zero-emissions trucks, and its tighter standards on nitrogen oxide engine emissions.  

This is controversial, due to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) opinion deeming the waivers not subject to the CRA, which allows Congress to disapprove of and rescind agency regulations. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin argued that submitting the waivers to Congress for review as if they were regulations qualified them for disapproval.

The Senate Parliamentarian concurred with the GAO opinion, but Majority Leader John Thune is said to be contemplating allowing a floor vote anyways. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) told reporters on May 13 the Senate will bring it to the floor the week of May 19. Democratic Senate Leadership and Senator Alex Padilla sent a letter emphasizing the Parliamentarian’s ruling and arguing that it should not be ignored. 

The Supreme Court previously declined to hear a case this year led by a group of states and American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers that argued against the waivers on the basis they gave California special status. If the disapprovals pass, California will bring a challenge in court.

 

Peace Officer’s Memorial Day Spurs “Police Week” on the House Floor

In recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, House leadership held “police week” considering several law-enforcement related bills on the House floor. H.R. 2243, the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Reform Act (LEOSA) would expand the ability of active or retired law enforcement officers to concealed carry firearms, H.R. 2255 would allow federal law enforcement officers to purchase retired service weapons, and H.R. 2240 would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) collect data on targeted attacks against law enforcement, mental health resources available to law enforcement, and current reporting on attacks on law enforcement.

 

EXECUTIVE BRANCH ACTIVITY  

DOT Sec. Duffy Executes 76 Infrastructure Grants Ahead of Congressional Testimony

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced the approval of 76 grants previously stuck in a backlog awaiting executed grant agreements. The projects come from the Airport Improvement Program, Airport Terminal Improvement/Terminals Program, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI), Railroad Crossing Elimination, Low/No Emissions Grants (competitive bus/non-bus), Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), and BUILD, INFRA, and Safe Streets for All (SS4A).

The Secretary also emphasized DOT is removing non-Administration supported requirements from grant agreements, including carbon accounting, greenhouse gas emission reporting, and diversity, equity, and inclusion sections in the standard grant agreement language.

The release committed to clearing the backlog, keeping grants in line with Administration priorities.

 

Governor Gavin Newsom Sues the Administration for a Preliminary Injunction on Tariffs

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta have sued the Trump Administration over the implementation of tariffs, claiming the President is exceeding the emergency authority he used to implement the tariffs. The updated suit also estimated the tariffs in their current form will cost California consumers $25-40 billion and 64k jobs.

The AG had previously vowed to sue the Administration in April following the President’s announcement of high “reciprocal tariffs” on what he then dubbed Liberation Day. Multiple pauses have kept the tariffs on all but Chinese goods around 10% as the Administration now seeks to negotiate new trade deals.

A previous attempt in the Senate to pass a resolution aimed at revoking the emergency authority was blocked by a procedural maneuver in the House stripping it of privileged consideration. It is unclear whether the lawsuit will be successful in obtaining a preliminary injunction.

 

EPA Extends Compliance Deadlines for Forever Chemical Levels in Drinking Water

On May 14, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will maintain the Final Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, though it will extend the compliance deadline to 2031 to aid rural communities struggling to come into compliance.

PFAS is a group of man-made chemicals known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and human body. They are used in various products for their water and stain-resistant properties but have been linked to adverse health effects, including cancer.

Water jurisdictions requiring capital improvements to meet the higher PFAS standard will receive technical assistance and engagement through a new PFAS OUT program and continued free water technical assistance (WaterTA).

 

Twenty States Sue the Administration Over Frozen Emergency Preparedness and Transportation Funding

Twenty states sued the Trump administration on May 13 for freezing billions in funding for counterterrorism, emergency preparedness, and transportation infrastructure. The lawsuits, led by California and others, claim the administration exceeded its authority by withholding funds over immigration and diversity policies.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta argued that the administration cannot impose arbitrary conditions on grants, calling the actions illegal and coercive. The lawsuit is part of broader efforts to reclaim federal funding linked to these policies.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that non-compliance with immigration and DEI policies would result in the termination of funding. The Department of Homeland Security has also withheld billions in grants for counterterrorism and emergency preparedness. Federal judges have blocked similar funding cuts, citing violations of the separation of powers doctrine and precedent established during the first Trump Administration.

 

Orange County Delegation Press Releases

 

Legislation Introduced by the Orange County Delegation

Bill Number 

Bill Title 

Introduction Date 

Sponsor 

Bill Description 

Latest Major Action 

H.R.3350

Renaming Tustin Post Office the: "Ursula Ellen Kennedy Post Office Building"

05/13/2025

Rep. Young Kim (R-CA-40)

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 340 East 1st Street in Tustin, California, as the "Ursula Ellen Kennedy Post Office Building".

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform., 05/13/25

H.R.3351

Improving Access to Small Business Information Act

05/13/25

Rep. Young Kim (R-CA-40) 

To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify that actions of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are not a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned., 05/13/25

S.1709

Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act

05/12/25

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA)

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratio requirements in hospitals, and for other purposes.

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2864), 05/12/25

H.R.3292

Reviewing Economic and Protection Objectives for the Reciprocal Tariffs Act (REPORT) Act

05/08/25

Rep. Young Kim (R-CA-40)

To require the publication of a detailed justification with respect to certain tariff modifications, and for other purposes.

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means., 05/08/25

S.1664

 

05/07/25

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA)

A bill to require the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a consistent set of policy guidelines for Federal research agencies to address financial instability of graduate researchers and postdoctoral researchers, and for other purposes.

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2800-2801: 4), 05/07/25

 

 
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Weekly Clips

Friday 5/16

How bad will California wildfires be this summer? Experts weigh in on forecast -- California is on the cusp of wildfire season, which experts warn could be worse than usual. “Outlooks for Northern and Southern California both paint a picture of a significant increase — (a) pretty widespread, elevated risk of large fires come August,” said John Abatzoglou, a climatologist at UC Merced. Hannah Poukish in the Fresno Bee -- 5/16/25

Thursday 5/15

California faces $12 billion shortfall. Newsom points to tariffs, health care -- California faces a $12 billion budget shortfall, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday, as Donald Trump’s global trade war, growing health care costs and devastating Los Angeles wildfires have battered the state’s economy. Sophia Bollag in the San Francisco Chronicle Grant Stringer, Ethan Varian, Paul Rogers, and Molly Gibbs in the San Jose Mercury Nicole Nixon and Kate Wolffe in the Sacramento Bee Jeremy B. White Politico -- 5/15/25

No cuts for schools, more funding for early literacy in Newsom’s revised budget -- TK-12 schools and community colleges can expect the same funding in 2025-26 that they received this year, plus a small cost-of-living adjustment, and there will be a big boost for early literacy, Gov. Gavin Newsom revealed Wednesday in the revision to his January state budget plan. John Fensterwald, Diana Lambert, Emma Gallegos, Amy DiPierro, Karen D'Souza, Zaidee Stavely, and Michael Burke EdSource -- 5/15/25

Wednesday 5/14

Insurance commissioner grants State Farm 17% emergency rate hike after L.A. fires -- Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara adopted an administrative law judge’s recommendation Tuesday and granted State Farm General, the state’s largest home insurer, a 17% emergency hike in its homeowners insurance rates. Laurence Darmiento in the Los Angeles Times Levi Sumagaysay CalMatters Megan Fan Munce in the San Francisco Chronicle Stephen Hobbs in the Sacramento Bee -- 5/14/25

As climate hazards worsen, Trump moves to weaken FEMA and shift disaster response onto states -- FEMA is experiencing layoffs, budget cuts, grant cancellations and other challenges at the start of wildfire and hurricane season. President Trump wants to shift disaster response responsibilities away from the federal government and onto the states. Hayley Smith in the Los Angeles Times -- 5/14/25

Tuesday 5/13

A new push to bring recovery homes into state’s ‘housing first’ homeless model -- The California Legislature is considering a bill that would end a nearly decade-old law denying state funding to abstinence-based housing. The law was meant to eliminate housing barriers to drug and alcohol users but, critics say, created barriers to those seeking sobriety. Doug Smith in the Los Angeles Times -- 5/13/25

A ‘silent threat’: California officials announce hearing into wildfire victim underinsurance following Chronicle investigation -- California officials plan to hold a hearing later this month to discuss solutions to widespread underinsurance among wildfire survivors, following a Chronicle investigation that exposed the severity of the issue and tied it to insurance companies’ use of flawed algorithms to write homeowner policies. Susie Neilson, Megan Fan Munce in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 5/13/25

Monday 5/12

Newsom calls on California cities to effectively ban homeless encampments -- As frustration intensifies over street homelessness, Gov. Gavin Newsom is urging local governments across California to effectively ban public camping and move faster to close dangerous encampments. Ethan Varian in the San Jose Mercury Shawn Hubler in the New York Times Lia Russell in the Sacramento Bee Marisa Kendall CalMatters -- 5/12/25

U.S. and China take a step back from sky-high tariffs, agree to pause for 90 days -- U.S. and Chinese officials said on Monday they had reached a deal to roll back most of their recent tariffs and call a 90-day truce in their trade war to allow for more talks on resolving their trade disputes. Jamey Keaten, David McHugh and Ken Moritsugu in the Los Angeles Times Lily Kuo, Christian Shepherd and Lyric Li in the Washington Post Daisuke Wakabayashi, Amy Chang Chien and Alan Rappeport in the New York Times Koen Verhelst, Carlo Martuscelli, Elena Giordano and Ali Walker Politico Daisuke Wakabayashi, Amy Chang Chien and Alan Rappeport in the New York Times -- 5/12/25

Weekend 5/10 – 5/11

Rep. Young Kim rejects SALT cap proposal of $30,000, calling it a ‘slap in the face’ -- Rep. Young Kim won’t vote for a budget bill with a state and local tax deduction cap of $30,000. Hanna Kang in the Orange County Register -- 5/11/25

Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from laying off federal employees -- A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order that enabled the administration to fire tens of thousands of federal workers and to eliminate certain agencies entirely. Hassan Ali Kanu Politico Zach Montague and Eileen Sullivan in the Washington Post -- 5/9/25

 
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For more information regarding County of Orange Legislative Affairs, please email at LegAffairs@ocgov.com.
 
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