In a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety, Oregon legislators reviewed the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, highlighting a 3% increase in funding across various divisions. The total general fund allocation stands at approximately $464.7 million, reflecting a commitment to enhance public safety services while addressing existing challenges.

The budget encompasses several key divisions, including the Facilities Program Division, which is allocated over $230 million. Notably, this division will see a net zero package that reallocates existing funds to create new positions, specifically aimed at supporting vocational educational services for older youth and Project Pooch, a program that offers vocational dog training opportunities for youth at McLaren.

The Community Programs Division, with a budget of nearly $179 million, remains unchanged in terms of new packages, while the Program Support Division will receive an increase of over $2.2 million to address staffing needs and reduce backlogs. This funding will support the hiring of six new positions, including a Deputy Chief Investigator and a Youth and Family Advocate.

Additionally, the budget includes a reduction of $180,580 in the Capital Improvement Division, aimed at balancing the overall budget. The Debt Service Division remains stable with no new packages affecting its budget.

The meeting concluded with the committee moving to recommend the budget as proposed, signaling a step forward in the legislative process. As the budget progresses, it will be essential to monitor its implementation and the impact on public safety services across Oregon.