News release
Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement Tuesday in response to the recommended Fiscal Year 2026–27 Los Angeles County budget.
Barger was not in attendance at the Board of Supervisors meeting because she was attending the funeral of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Levi Vargas in Chino Hills.
“While I was unable to be present for today’s budget presentation, I have reviewed the proposal and appreciate its balanced approach to addressing our county’s most urgent needs,” Barger, whose district includes the Santa Clarita Valley, said in the release. “The continued investment in safety net services — including wrap-around support for more than 32,500 permanent supportive housing units under Los Angeles County’s new Homeless Services and Housing Department — is critical to helping our most vulnerable residents achieve stability.”
The release said she also supports the recommended $9.9 million investment to expand the Office of Emergency Management. “This is a meaningful step toward strengthening our emergency preparedness and reflects our commitment to implementing key improvements identified in the McChrystal Group After-Action Report — particularly in alerts, warnings and evacuation coordination. It’s an important investment in keeping our communities safe,” she said in the release, referring to the county’s review of last year’s Palisades and Eaton fires.
“Finally, I would like to recognize the funding allocated through the county’s Consumer Protection Settlement Funds to investigate and prosecute fraudulent (Assembly Bill) 218 claims through the (L.A. County) District Attorney’s office,” Barger added. “This is essential to maintain the public’s trust and ensure accountability and transparency in our legal settlements.”
