Memorandum
Date: May 19, 2026
To: The Honorable Brad Rasmussen, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Jessica Pyska, Vice-Chair, District 5 Supervisor
Subject: Approve Letter of Support for FY 2026-27 Budget Request - $8,325,000 One-Time General Fund for the Healthcare Career Pathway (CNA Workforce Initiative) and Authorize the Chair to sign the letter communicating this position to the bill author, relevant Committees and associated members of the legislature
Executive Summary:
On behalf of the Healthcare Career Pathway Certified Nursing Assistant Workforce Initiative, I respectfully request the Board's support for a letter urging the State to allocate $8,325,000 in one-time General Fund support over five years to sustain and expand this important program.
The initiative helps address critical Certified Nursing Assistant and entry-level healthcare workforce shortages by providing participants with training, certification preparation, and wraparound supports.
The program has demonstrated strong outcomes, including an 88.3% completion rate, a 92.2% CNA certification pass rate, and 75.5% employment within six months of graduation.
For Lake County, continued funding would help strengthen the local healthcare workforce, support rural healthcare employers, expand career pathways for residents, and improve access to care for our community.
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