California Gov. Jerry Brown, beginning the “complex undertaking” of shifting responsibility for many state programs to local agencies, has started pitching the plan to local leaders, says the Sacramento Bee. Brown will propose a realignment of services, possibly far-reaching, as part of a proposal to resolve a state budget deficit estimated to be at least $25 billion over 18 months.
To realign responsibilities, it involves welfare, it involves Medi-Cal, it involves parole, probation, many other things,” Brown, said. Among other possible elements: diverting low-level offenders to county jails, sending money to local governments to increase jail space or for rehabilitation programs., and eliminating the Division of Juvenile Justice, instead sending money to local governments to house juvenile offenders.