Hadwick leads bipartisan effort urging Congress to reauthorize Secure Rural Schools program

This week, Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick spearheaded a bipartisan letter to Congress urging immediate reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program. The letter was signed by 49 members of the California Legislature —including Republicans and Democrats from both the Senate and Assembly — demonstrating the broad, bipartisan support for this critical program.

“Rural Californians have been clear: schools, roads, and essential services depend on Secure Rural Schools funding,” said Hadwick. “Congress must act now to keep this lifeline intact for our communities.”

This is the second letter Hadwick has sent to Congress pressing for SRS reauthorization, building on her earlier trip to Washington, D.C. where she personally lobbied members of Congress to take action.

The Secure Rural Schools program provides critical funding to rural counties with significant amounts of federally managed forestland. Since 2012, California Counties have nearly $40 million a year, with Assembly District 1 capturing nearly 58 percent (approximately $19 million) of the total. All 11 counties in Assembly District 1 rely on SRS funding.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate passed the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 with unanimous bipartisan support, extending funding through 2026.

However, the House of Representatives has not yet acted on the bill, leaving rural counties across California and the nation in limbo. Without reauthorization, communities face devastating cuts to schools, roads, and essential public services.

“Rural California deserves the same level of commitment as any other part of the state or country,” Hadwick added. “This program is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. I will continue fighting until Congress gets the job done.”