Los Angeles County unveiled a balanced budget proposal today for Fiscal Year 2015-16 totaling $26.923 billion, including plans for new positions and funding to further advance widespread reforms in critical public programs.

“The County navigated the recession without any major financial issues or impacts on public services. Today, because of the rebounding economy, we can add new funding to confront the complex issues facing many of our major public programs. This investment in resources represents a collaborative effort between the Board of Supervisors, the Sheriff and County leaders to build on reforms already underway,” said Interim Chief Executive Officer Sachi A. Hamai.

Specifically, the budget proposal recommends $99.2 million to fund a number of the Sheriff’s priorities for improving conditions in the County jail system, including expanded mental health services, and to continue the development of an inmate diversion treatment program. Within the child protection system, the proposal calls for $66.9 million and 542 new positions to reduce social worker caseload and improve child safety. To further improve healthcare delivery and patient care, the budget proposal recommends $22.3 million and 351 new positions for additional nursing services and $1.7 million and 30 positions to improve medical care for high-risk, high need patients.

In addition to recommending funding for the continued development, design, and construction of capital projects that address high priority health, public safety, recreation and infrastructure needs, the budget proposal also calls for new funding to reduce stormwater pollution in the unincorporated areas, as well as the restoration of funding for the County lifeguard program which was curtailed during the recession.

This budget proposal is just the first step in a months-long process that includes public hearings, deliberations and the inclusion and consideration of potential impacts from the State and Federal budget proposals. Complete details of the budget outlook are also available on the County’s homepage at http://www.lacounty.gov.