EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — July 6, 2025 — The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act (S. 356), bringing new momentum to a vital funding program that supports counties like El Dorado with federal forest lands. The legislation now moves to the House, where Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) has introduced a bipartisan companion bill co-sponsored by 73 members.
The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program provides essential payments to counties to help fund local schools, roads, and emergency services in areas where property tax revenue is limited by the presence of U.S. Forest Service land. Since its inception in 2000, the program has been a lifeline for dozens of rural counties across California, including El Dorado, where nearly 60% of the land is federally owned.
The reauthorization bill, introduced by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), would extend the program through Fiscal Year 2026. Its passage in the Senate on June 18 signals strong bipartisan support for continuing the program at a time when rural schools are grappling with aging infrastructure, staffing shortages, and wildfire recovery costs.
“For counties like El Dorado, this program helps fill critical funding gaps in our school districts and infrastructure budgets,”
said Greg Norton, President and CEO of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC).
“We’re urging House leadership to move swiftly now that reconciliation is wrapping up.”
RCRC, a nonprofit that represents 40 rural counties in California, has been lobbying aggressively for reauthorization. With the Senate’s unanimous approval and widespread bipartisan backing in the House, the bill is seen as one of the rare pieces of legislation with a clear path forward.
In El Dorado County, past SRS payments have funded everything from school resource officers to rural road maintenance and fire preparedness. Without reauthorization, counties would revert to revenue-sharing formulas established under the 1908 Forest Reserve Act—payments that are a fraction of what SRS provides.
Local stakeholders are closely watching the House’s next move, especially with the school year approaching and budget deadlines looming. The bill’s potential final passage would mark a critical win for rural America, reaffirming federal responsibility for lands held in public trust.
🏛️ U.S. House Representatives
Rep. Tom McClintock (R)
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Represents California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes western El Dorado County
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**Washington, D.C. Office:**
2256 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225‑2511 -
Local Contact: Via online constituent form on mcclintock.house.gov/contact
Rep. Kevin Kiley (R)
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Represents California’s 3rd Congressional District, which covers parts of eastern El Dorado Count
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**Washington, D.C. Office:**
2445 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225‑2523 -
Local Office (Rocklin, serving the region):
6538 Lonetree Blvd, Suite 200, Rocklin, CA 95765
Phone: (916) 724‑2575 or toll‑free (888) 406‑3855
