“This budget includes positive steps forward for public safety and consumer protection,” -CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

This morning, Governor Jerry  Brown signed California’s $108 billion general fund spending plan, which includes two legislative augmentations that provide $9.4 million for Special Operation Units (SOU) within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and $1 million for 10 additional agents within the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

“These are two very important areas in which funding was needed,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona. “CSLEA worked diligently, and with legislative leadership, to obtain legislative support for these augmentations which are critical to public safety.  I thank our lawmakers for recognizing this and the Governor for signing it into law.”

The budget also contains $1.4 million  and 6 positions to establish the Office of Law Enforcement Support within the Health and Human Services Agency. The Office will develop standardized policies and procedures, improve recruitment and training, and provide centralized oversight and accountability to the law enforcement programs at the Departments of  Developmental Services and State Hospitals.

The budget includes an augmentation of $67.4. million for support of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in preparation for California’s Expanded Eligibility for Driver’s Licenses.  As California begins to accept driver’s license applications from undocumented immigrants who live in California, it is estimated that 1.4 million people will apply for a license over the next three years.   This will require additional licensing registration examiners.

In addition, the budget sets aside money in a rainy day fund and pays down state debts.

Brown signed the budget at a  ceremony in San Diego.