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Monterey County Supervisors and state leaders held legislative workshop

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SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV): Monterey County supervisors, alongside state and federal elected officials held a legislative workshop Friday morning to discuss the legislative priorities for the county this year.

FEMA reimbursements, agriculture and homelessness were among the many topics they talked about. Monterey County said they've been through some natural disasters, like flooding and wildfires.

Because of that, the county said they're concerned about the possibility of FEMA reducing funding for reimbursement.

"When it comes to reimbursing state and local governments FEMA is way behind," said U.S. Representative, Zoe Lofgren. "The reason why is congress hasn't adequately funded them, as a matter of fact, they almost ran out of money."

And for that reason, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren said congress needs to do something about it. They also talked about homelessness, something that has been decreasing in the county, but that may mean funding to support the unhoused could drop.

"Reduction in homelessness," said Vice Chair Monterey County Supervisor, Chris Lopez."We're talking that reduction has a problem because we've done so well together in addressing that problem in our communities."

If there's no funding for projects to help the homeless, some projects are at risk of closing. Agriculture was another topic of conversation.

Lofgren said the senate has stalled on the Farm Workforce Modernization bill, one that's important for undocumented farmworkers to gain legal status.

"It would allow undocumented farmworkers to gain legal status, also streamline the existing temporary workforce program so there's more protection for temporary workers and streamlines for employers." said Congresswoman Lofgren.

At the legislative workshop, local leaders talked about securing funding for having a long-term project to have clean drinking water for the people of San Lucas. Monterey County said they haven't had clean drinking water for years.They also talked about having more funding for lake nacimiento and san antonio dams to have flood protection and have a sustainable water supply.

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Nataly Gutierrez

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