Attorney General Bonta Applauds Governor Newsom’s Revised Budget Proposal

Praises proposed funding of critical public safety programs

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement highlighting critical public safety investments in Governor Newsom’s 2022-23 revised state budget proposal. The Governor’s budget revision includes key investments supported by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to improve public safety and support California’s diverse communities. If approved by the Legislature, the revised budget will fund additional efforts to support public safety and officer well-being. 

“Governor Newsom’s vigorous commitment to public safety, officer wellness, and the well-being of our communities is reflected throughout this revised budget proposal,” said Attorney General Bonta. “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.”

The 2022-23 revised budget builds upon the Governor’s January proposal adding historic investments in law enforcement resources to tackle organized crime and gun violence. The proposal includes new funding for California DOJ programs including:

• Fentanyl Enforcement: $7.9 million in 2022-23 and $6.7 million ongoing to fund a new Fentanyl Task Force within DOJ to help tackle the fentanyl crisis and get illegal drugs off our streets. The task force would include 25 new positions within DOJ to support these efforts.

• Protecting Elders: $7.8 million in 2022-23 and $7.1 million ongoing to fully maximize DOJ’s federal grant award to support increased investigation of Medicaid fraud and elder abuse and enforcement pursuant to changes in federal law.

The proposal also includes funding for DOJ to continue supporting the Reparations Task Force:

• Reparations Task Force: $1.5 million in 2022-23 to support the work of the Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans. 

The Governor’s revised proposal also includes funding supported by the Attorney General to bolster public safety efforts throughout the state, including $50 million to fund local grants intended to improve peace officer health and well-being, build resiliency, decrease stress and trauma, and improve community trust and relations. 

Further details on the Governor’s proposal can be found at www.ebudget.ca.gov.