KERN COUNTY, CA — This Tuesday, the Kern County Board of Supervisors honored Senator Melissa Hurtado for her leadership on SB 237 and delivering more than $7 million in direct state funding for child protection, wildfire prevention, Valley Fever testing, and airport expansion. This funding request was approved in Budget Trailer bill AB 105 as follows:

$2 million for child protection services in Kern County

$2 million for Valley Fever testing, soil health protection programs and support services

$2 million for fire department sheep and goat grazer operations for wildfire prevention

$1 million to for Meadow Fields Airport rehabilitation and taxiway widening construction

$21 million for floodplain restoration projects in Kern, Kings and Tulare Counties budget request during one of California’s most challenging budget years.

“I am deeply grateful for this recognition. In a difficult budget year, this was not an easy ask, but every budget item represented real people and real hardships,” said Senator Melissa Hurtado. “This recognition does not belong to me alone. It belongs to the young couple who made the long drive to Sacramento to share why early Valley Fever testing matters. It belongs to the sheep and goat herders who also traveled to Sacramento to tell their stories and fight for the work they do to protect our communities from wildfires. It belongs to those who shared their hopes for what an airport expansion could mean for jobs and opportunity. It belongs to the workers who show up every day with courage and compassion, even when the load is heavy. And it belongs to the families and advocates who urged us to do more to protect our children. Your voices, your sacrifice, your determination, and the hope in your eyes, stayed with me and guided this work. This is for you, and because of you,” added Hurtado.

“I would like to thank Senator Melissa Hurtado for her work in securing millions of dollars for Kern County. This will provide much needed resources to better serve our constituents and create a safer, healthier and thriving Kern County,” said Chair of Kern County Supervisors Leticia Perez. 

“We are excited to share the news that Senator Melissa Hurtado has successfully secured $2 million in funding for Kern County Child Protective Services. This significant financial support will enable the department to hire temporary staff and fill critical vacancies, enhancing our ability to protect and serve the children of our community,” said Lito Morillo, Director of Human Services for Kern County. “In light of the challenging economic climate faced by the entire state, this funding is truly remarkable. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Hurtado for her unwavering dedication and advocacy on behalf of Kern County Department of Human Services. Her efforts will have a lasting positive impact on the well-being of our children and families,” added Morillo.

“I thank Senator Melissa Hurtado for securing $7 million in funding for Kern County. This funding will do so much for our communities that make up Kern County. The $2 million specifically for fire department sheep and goat grazer operations for wildfire prevention will help reduce fire fuel loads, like dead grass and weeds, in hard to reach places, as part of our larger fire prevention strategy,” said Chief Deputy Mitchell.

Watch the recognition and remarks: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k6l-2RrlWzs

Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties. Website of Senator Melissa Hurtado https://sd16.senate.ca.gov/

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