Sacramento, CA – The County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) of California issued the following statement from Executive Director Carlos Marquez III today on the release of the California Legislature’s 2025-26 joint budget agreement: 

“While the federal government breaks its promises to our families, youth, and older adults, CWDA applauds the California Legislature for keeping core safety net programs intact. The Legislature’s 2025-26 joint budget agreement scales back proposed cuts to life-saving programs that support foster youth and foster families, invests in proven housing programs that prevent homelessness among families in the Child Welfare System and individuals in Adult Protective Services, and restores access to In-Home Supportive Services for those who have nowhere else to turn. We look forward to working with the Legislature and the Administration to ensure counties are adequately funded at a time when people across the state are increasingly turning to these vital county human services programs.”