State leaders push back against a ballot measure that would allow San Bernardino County to explore secession

Several Democratic legislators, including State Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino), Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton), and Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona), have expressed their opposition to a November ballot measure that would allow San Bernardino County to explore the possibility of seceding from California.

In a letter to the board, the lawmakers criticized the measure, stating that they were "shocked" and "disappointed" by the board's decision to place it on the ballot. They argued that taxpayer money should not be used to fund an initiative that essentially asks local officials to do their jobs.

The legislators also emphasized that the proposal disregards the ongoing efforts to bring more resources to San Bernardino County, citing the $65 million they brought to the Inland Empire this year.

Meanwhile, DeJonaé Shaw, a former candidate for county supervisor, spoke out against the measure during a meeting, urging the county to prioritize funding for addressing homelessness and the ongoing mental health crisis in the state. B

oard Chairman Curt Hagman called the possibility of secession a "distant last resort" and emphasized the need for a study to develop more effective strategies for securing a better return on the county's tax dollars.