Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger issued the following statement today, commenting on the Board’s approval of the FY2025-2026 Supplemental Budget–the final phase of the County’s annual budget process.
“The County’s $52.5 billion budget may sound vast, but the majority of funding is restricted to program-specific revenues, legal obligations, or one-time funds,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “We face extraordinary financial pressures, including a $4 billion sexual abuse legal settlement, nearly $800 million in wildfire recovery costs, and federal funding cuts reshaping our services. The year ahead will be guided by severe fiscal constraints and responsible stewardship of very limited resources.”
Supervisor Barger also emphasized that while tough choices are necessary, the budget prioritizes essential services that will benefit residents and business owners. “Today’s approved budget invests more than $160 million in homelessness and housing programs, including rental relief for wildfire victims,” Barger noted. “Investments in technology, highlighted by the McChrystal After-Action Report, are also critical for long-term efficiency and service. Those investments will have my ongoing support.”
Barger’s closing comments addressed the impact of AB 218, which funds childhood sexual assault settlements. “AB 218’s fiscal pressures are resulting in our County’s budget being headed to life support,” she commented. “Almost a quarter of our budget is spent funding health and welfare services for some of our most indigent and vulnerable residents. Sadly, that’s where cuts will mostly be felt, since we’ve been forced to afford the AB 218 settlements. During this difficult time, Los Angeles County employees at all levels must leverage every resource and do their best to ensure people do not slip through the cracks. That will be our collective responsibility.”