In his State of the State address, Governor Schwarzenegger focused on the need for teamwork to overcome the challenges facing California.

And California Counties couldn’t agree more.

Resolving the persistent state fiscal crisis requires serious, meaningful reform – and that reform cannot be achieved without teamwork. But this teamwork must go beyond political parties; it must go beyond the Executive and Legislative branches of government.

A solid partnership must include all levels of government, particularly our 58 counties that provide vital services and programs to California’s 38 million residents.

California counties look forward to working closely with the Administration and Legislature in the short-term on addressing the state budget crisis, and in the long-term on reform. As the Governor said, working together, we do have the means and mindpower to solve our problems.