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State Activities Economic Impact

California

Actions Underway

  • California is primarily a state funded system.  The Judicial Branch budget was reduced by $256 million in FY 2008-09; this included unallocated reductions, unfunded cost increases, and deferred funding (e.g. new judgeships and probate reform mandates).
  • The Judicial Branch budget is facing a $676 million reduction in FY 2009-10; this includes unallocated reductions, unfunded cost increases, and deferred funding (e.g. new judgeships and probate reform mandates).  Budget negotiations remain ongoing in Sacramento to close a projected $24 billion statewide shortfall for FY2009-10.
  • In February, 2008 the AOC and appellate system implemented restrictions on hiring, promotions, reclassifications, increases in time base, use of temporary help and the establishment of new positions.  In addition, restrictions were put into place regarding travel and meetings, as well as various other operational cost-saving efficiencies (such as the elimination of bottled water).  Trial courts implemented similar measures. 
    • A cut back on travel, meetings, and purchases of new equipment.
    • In person meetings are replaced with telephonic and video conferencing.
  • In FY2008-09, eligible management and staff of the AOC and appellate system received a 3.5% annual step increase (the Executive Branch provides 5% annual step increases) and no cost of living salary adjustment.  In FY2009-10, consideration is being given to reducing or eliminating step increases for AOC and appellate systems staff; no cost of living salary adjustment is planned or likely.
  • In FY2008-09, a voluntary one-day-per- month furlough program was implemented for the AOC and appellate system from January, 2009 through June, 2009; 48.6% of AOC staff participated, including all executive team members, as well as an overwhelming majority of managers.  In FY2009-10, a mandatory furlough program is anticipated for the AOC and appellate system.
    • On May 14, 2009, Chief Justice Ronald M. George sent a memo asking bench officers who participate in the state's assigned judges program to work without pay for at least one day in May and June.
  • California has been implementing major organization changes over the past 10 years.  It will centralize financial transactions in July, 2009.
  • The state is moving to an electronic case and document management system, which will include electronic access from non-court locations, making the courts “venue transparent.”.
  • A California panel of federal judges recommended in February 2009 that the cash-strapped state release up to 57,000 non-violent inmates from the overcrowded system to help save $800 million.

Reports and Articles

Gavel to Gavel

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