While warning of an unstable economy and potential future liabilities from child sex assault claims that could range into the billions of dollars, Los Angeles County’s CEO unveiled a $43 billion budget proposal for 2023-24 on Monday, April 17, a spending plan that includes investments in mental health services, homelessness programs and establishment of an Office of Constitutional Policing within the sheriff’s department.
The spending proposal also realizes the goal set by voter passage of Measure J in 2020, mandating that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated “unrestricted revenues” be dedicated to community service programs and alternatives to incarceration.
According to county CEO Fesia Davenport, the budget proposal dedicates $288.3 million to such programs, along with nearly $198 million more that will roll over from the current fiscal year, putting the 2023-34 total at about $486 million. Specific recommendations for the use of those funds are expected to be presented to the Board of Supervisors this spring, and will be added to the final budget document, according to Davenport. The measures are part of the county’s “Care First and Community Investment” effort to overhaul its criminal justice system.
The spending proposal includes $6.6 million and the addition of 24 non-sworn positions to establish an Office of Constitutional Policing in the sheriff’s department, to “oversee and monitor consent decrees, deputy gang issues, audit and investigations, compliance, risk management and policy development.” It also includes nearly $50 million in ongoing funding for improved conditions and mental health services in the jails to meet terms of a settlement with federal prosecutors.
The budget proposal, which will be presented to the Board of Supervisors for initial adoption Tuesday but will be subject to months of public hearings and review before being finally adopted in October, also dedicates $692 million toward efforts to…
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