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Governor Boosts Proposed Budget Allocation to Courts
By a MetNews Staff Writer
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The above chart was released by the Office of Governor on Friday showing changes from January on the proposed spending on the courts in 2022-23. |
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised proposed budget for 2022-23, released Friday, includes $5.1 billion for the courts, a $110 million increase over the $4.9 billion that was contained in the January proposal.
That amounts to a 2.24 percent boost. Factoring in infrastructure, the expenditures recommended swell from $5.2 billion proposed in January to $5.4 billion, a $237 million increase, amounting to 4.56 percent.
A proposed overall hike in spending—now set at $300.6 billion, up from $286.4 billion envisioned in January—is fueled by a $97.5 billion surplus from tax revenues,
Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye commented Friday:
“The governor’s May Revision to his proposed budget is a significant investment in the judicial branch, supporting our efforts to expand access to justice and recover from pandemic-related challenges.”
Climate Control
She singled out a proposal to fund a new Judicial Council unit to train judicial officers and court personnel on climate change and environmental matters, saying this “reflects our initial efforts to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.” The governor proposes a $1.2 million allocation for this purpose.
The chief justice also noted the proposed funding for a Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (“CARE”) Court “that seeks to address the needs of people living with untreated mental health and substance abuse challenges in California.” That proposal entails a $39.5 million expenditure in 2022-23 and $37.7 million on an ongoing basis to fund mental health courts and self-help centers in all 58 counties.
“We thank the governor for his continuing commitment to sustainable funding for the judicial branch and the major investments necessary to ensure that all Californians can access their justice system,” Cantil-Sakauye remarked.
The revision includes a proposed allocation for repairs at two court facilities in San Diego County and one in Orange County.
Bonta Comments
California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday hailed the revised proposed budget although under it, the Department of Justice would receive 2.16 percent less funding than what was proposed in January, shrinking from $1.191 billion to $1.165 billion. Bonta said:
“Governor Newsom’s vigorous commitment to public safety, officer wellness, and the well-being of our communities is reflected throughout this revised budget proposal. From new funds to establish a Fentanyl Task Force to investments in our efforts to prosecute elder abuse, I thank the Governor for prioritizing public safety and working with the California Department of Justice to enact critical investments in programs and services that will protect California families.
“I urge the Legislature to approve this package of funding priorities to help keep Californians safe.”
Of the current $300.6 billion figure, $227.3 billion would come from the General Fund, $68.9 billion from special funds, and $4.4 billion from bonds.
Newsom, in announcing the budget revision, declared:
“Backed by a robust surplus and grounded in our unshakable values, we’re paving the California Way forward to prosperity and progress for all. With historic investments, we’re doubling down on our formula for success and making sure no one is left behind—supporting working families and businesses, tackling climate change, expanding health care access, making our communities safer, and more. While gridlock persists in Congress and right-wing fanatics turn statehouses across the country into laboratories of hate and oppression, here in California, we’re putting in the work to grow our economy and implement real, inclusive policy change to create a brighter future for all.”
The Legislature is legally obliged to pass a budget by June 15 but does not always meet the deadline.
Copyright 2022, Metropolitan News Company