LWVDV Hosts Government Panel on Federal Budget Cuts (VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE)

LWVDV Hosts Government Panel on Federal Budget Cuts (VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE)

LWVDV Hosts Government Panel on Federal Budget Cuts
Type: 
News

(Photo credit: Matt Bolender)

Local impact to fall disproportionately on Contra Costa County’s most vulnerable populations.

On Wednesday, September 3rd, the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley hosted a public event titled The Impact of Federal Cuts on Our Local Communities. A panel of local government leaders discussed the impact of recent federal budget cuts on Contra Costa County communities. They addressed effects of the sweeping federal agency cuts made by DOGE and legislative budget reductions including HR1, or the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The event drew a full house at the Walnut Creek Library’s Oak Room. The event was broadcast on Walnut Creek TV (Comcast 28, Wave Channel 31 and AT&T Verse 99).

Watch a recording of the event on the Walnut Creek TV YouTube channel! (NOW AVAILABLE)

Panelists included:
  • Lynne Mackey, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools;
  • Louie Rocha, Antioch Mayor Pro Tem
  • Shanelle Scales-Preston, Contra Costa County Supervisor, District 5,
  • Carlyn Obringer, Concord Mayor and
  • Kevin Wilk, Walnut Creek Mayor Pro Tem.
Panelists discussed the scope and composition of federal funding within their jurisdictions and outlined local impacts of budget reductions. They identified sectors where effects are already evident or are projected to begin in January 2026:  these include education, transportation, health care, mental health services, employment, infrastructure, public safety, and food and nutrition programs. Panelists cited specific impacts on public services, such as the following:
  • Projects for flood control, roads, and other infrastructure will be stalled or cancelled;
  • Medical coverage and services will become inaccessible for many, increasing costs for all and placing greater strain on both public and private hospital systems;
  • Food insecurity will rise. 

They emphasized that while all residents will be affected by the cuts, the impact will fall disproportionately on the most vulnerable:  seniors, children, disabled, low-income and homeless members of our communities. 

Panelists noted that many of the budget cuts have not yet taken effect, and communities will feel the impact in January 2026 and beyond. Additional cuts are still being finalized: for example, the federal budget bill advanced September 1 by the House of Representatives proposes a $3.5B reduction in Title 1 funding, designed to support educational equity for students from low-income families. With 40% of its students living in poverty, Contra Costa County schools stand to be drastically affected.

Panelists were united in the message that, as a community, we need to show empathy and support for those most affected. Asked what individuals can do to oppose these cuts or mitigate their effects, they provided this guidance:
  • Attend town hall meetings; let local community leaders and elected representatives know how we feel.
  • Reach out to friends and families outside our districts, and encourage them to contact their local and national representatives.
  • Buy local!  Sales tax from local purchases directly support our cities, our counties, and the services they can provide.
  • Encourage people to vote.
  • Form public-private partnerships to support our communities.
  • Look for ways to get our youth trained and employed.
  • Stay engaged -- stay focused on taking care of our neighbors.  Don't allow the firehose of negative news divide and distract us from making real differences.

Both League and audience members voiced their appreciation to our government officials for their ongoing efforts on behalf of our communities, and to the City of Walnut Creek for their support in providing this opportunity to the public.

by Brooke Schwartz, LWVDV Board Member
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For other local coverage of the impact of Federal budget cuts, see: 

This event was organized by the League’s Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative, which is committed to activating 8.5 million voices through civic engagement, education, and collective power.  To participate in future events, contact unite.rise [at] lwvdv.org.

This article is related to which committees: 
LWV Diablo Valley Unite and Rise 8.5 Team
League to which this content belongs: 
Diablo Valley