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Receive a verbal update from Paragon Government Relations, the County’s federal legislative advocates, on federal legislative matters of interest to Solano County; Receive a verbal update from Karen Lange, the County’s State legislative advocate, on State legislative and budgetary matters of interest to the County, including the Governor’s May Revise budget and key legislation of interest to the County
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Published Notice Required? Yes _______ No ___X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _______ No ___X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors receive a verbal update from Paragon Government Relations, the County’s federal legislative advocates, on federal legislative matters of interest to Solano County; Receive a verbal update from Karen Lange, the County’s State legislative advocate, on State legislative and budgetary matters of interest to the County, including the Governor’s May Revise budget and key legislation of interest to the County.
SUMMARY / DISCUSSION:
This legislative update is appropriately timed to coincide with a critical phase of the California legislative and budget cycle. At this stage of the legislative session, the Governor’s May Revision budget proposal has been released, fiscal committees are actively considering legislation with county impacts, and measures advancing toward house of origin deadlines are becoming more clearly defined. Although the legislative process is advancing, there remains meaningful opportunity for engagement and advocacy before final policy and budget decisions are made later in the Session.
Last October, the Board adopted a comprehensive its Legislative Platforms to guide the County’s advocacy efforts and provide clear policy direction. The adopted platforms provide the Board with tools to respond to legislation and budget proposals as they continue moving through the legislative process. Through the platforms, the County can communicate timely support, opposition, amendment requests, and policy priorities on measures affecting Solano County while legislation is still actively being considered and negotiated. As bills continue through fiscal committees, floor votes, and budget negotiations, staff and the County’s legislative advocates will utilize the Board’s adopted platforms to pursue advocacy opportunities and advance the County’s interests at the Board’s discretion.
If legislative matters arise between this report and the next scheduled update, staff will reference the adopted platforms to determine the County’s position and, as appropriate, prepare correspondence and advocate positions subject to the Chair’s approval. Measures that fall outside the scope of the platforms or warrant additional policy discussion will be brought forward to the full Board for direction.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The County’s Legislative Affairs efforts are embedded in the County Administrator’s Office and designed to result in additional funding and cost avoidance relative to Solano County. The cost of preparing this report is nominal and is included in the County Administrator’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to receive the legislative update; however, this is not recommended, as the Board gave direction to use this approach when they dissolved the County’s Legislative Committee at their January 7, 2025, meeting.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Staff consulted with Solano County Department Heads, Paragon Government Relations, SYASL Partners, Inc. to compile this legislative report.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION