California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 18003

Out of any money in the State Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there is hereby appropriated each month to every county within this state for joint public assistance to eligible recipients, an amount, as estimated by the department, equal to the aggregate amount of federal assistance payable to this state under federal law for joint public assistance to eligible recipients within the county.  This appropriation is in addition to any other appropriation to the counties of the state for joint public assistance or for any aid within the definition of joint public assistance.

Payment of the sums appropriated by this section shall be made in the manner provided by Chapter 9 of Part 3 of this code.

This section shall be operative only during periods of welfare emergency duly proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to Section 18002.