In 2004, the State of California reduced vehicle license fees that had been distributed to counties and cities to finance critical social services. The State committed to replacing those revenues with an equivalent funding stream which has now become obsolete. As a result, San Mateo County and its cities are being blocked from receiving their fair share. Yet 55 of the state’s 58 counties will continue to receive every dollar they are owed. It will take state action to rectify this imbalance.
The impact of withholding these owed funds would be deep, wide, and cataclysmic. Crippling reductions in service would be realized, including:
Public Safety and Emergency Response
Healthcare and Mental Health Services
Programs for Seniors and Youth
Libraries and Child Literacy
Parks and Recreation
Pothole and Street Repairs
Homelessness Prevention and Affordable Housing
Wildfire Prevention and Storm Readiness
San Mateo County and its cities are aligned on a coordinated approach to address the situation. This includes taking legal action as well as working with San Mateo County's state representatives and the governor’s office to secure full funding and implement a permanent legislative fix. They are also mounting a robust program to inform the public and encourage local action to rectify the situation now and in the future.
You can stand with San Mateo County by attending the upcoming press conference at the Downtown Redwood City Fire Station on Tuesday, April 7th at 10:00 am. Join your community and show local leaders that you support a stronger San Mateo County! RSVP here.