County lobbyist warns of deep state cuts; Board moves to oppose and support several bills

San Luis Obispo County’s Sacramento representative, Paul Yoder of Shaw Yoder, provided a detailed legislative update to the Board May 14, outlining the calendar and major fiscal and policy items for the remainder of the session.

Yoder noted the May revise had just been released and warned of a growing state shortfall that could drive cuts to programmatic spending, especially behavioral health and homelessness programs. He explained Proposition 1 implementation and that the initial $1.5 billion of funds are limited to local governments; counties will still compete for grant allocations and must prepare applications.

On legislation, Yoder reviewed SB 43 conservatorship reform implementation and related efforts to revise regulations so conserved individuals may be placed in county psychiatric facilities. He also described bills of interest to the county, including AB 2561 (collective bargaining/vacancy provisions), AB 22079 (groundwater authority/curtailment procedures), and AB 1337 (state water board curtailment authority). Supervisors asked questions about Prop 1 funding priorities and the prospect of reallocating funds originally destined for PG&E/Diablo Canyon.

After public comment from environmental and community groups, the board debated positions and took procedural actions. The Board directed staff and the county’s lobbyists to oppose AB 2561 in its current form (concern that the vacancy bargaining provisions would materially constrain county budget management), and to support AB 22079 (groundwater bill) while expressing opposition to AB 1337 as written. Votes on those directions were recorded in a roll call.

Yoder said the county and associations such as CSAC are monitoring the situation, advocating for county funding and clarifying how state proposals would affect local programs. The board asked staff to return with any requested letters to legislators and to continue coordinating advocacy.