Courts to Receive $3.6 Billion Under Brown’s Proposed Budget

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

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Courts to Receive $3.6 Billion Under Brown’s Proposed Budget

By a MetNews Staff Writer

Gov. Jerry Brown yesterday presented a proposed 2017-18 budget allocating $3.6 billion for operation of the courts—a substantial boost from a share of just over $600 million in the budget signed last June for the present fiscal year.

The proposed budget for the courts includes $1.7 billion from the General Fund and $1.9 billion other sources. The trial courts would receive $2.8 billion.

Overall, Brown proposed a $122.5 billion state spending plan. He said he foresaw a possible $1.6 billion deficit in light of laggardly growth in tax revenues.

Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye reacted to the budget by saying, in a prepared statement:

“Given the uncertainties in the state’s budget in the coming fiscal year, Governor Brown’s proposed budget for the judicial branch is prudent. The Governor’s proposals would provide funding to offset declines in other revenue, assist with trial court case management systems, and contribute to trial court employee health and retirement benefits costs.”

She added:

“We will continue to press for additional trial court revenue and any other necessary changes to address the vital needs of those seeking justice in the court system.”

In a letter to the Legislature, Brown said:

“This year’s budget will be the most difficult that we have faced since 2012. The surging tide of revenue increases that we enjoyed the past few years appears to have turned. Instead, we now face a budget deficit of $2 billion.

“While this amount pales in comparison to the $27 billion deficit we faced in 2011, it demands our attention. Small deficits can quickly mushroom into large ones if not promptly eliminated.

“While rolling back some planned spending increases, my proposed budget protects our most important
achievements—more money for education, an earned income tax credit for working families, the rising minimum
wage, the extension of health care to millions, and the pay down of our long-term liabilities.

“In all likelihood, the coming years will bring even worse financial news—either from the start of the next inevitable recession or from changes at the federal level. This uncertainty about the future makes acting responsibly now even more important.”