California 2024 Budget Agreement Includes Funding for Reparations Bill Implementation, Victim Services and Mor

& Joe W. Bowers Jr.& | California Black Media (CBM) – In a move supporting vulnerable communities, the 2024 California budget agreement has earmarked $103 million in one-time funding for victims’ services programs. This allocation is designed to compensate for federal funding cuts and ensure continued support for crime victims across the state. Grace Glaser of VALOR, a member of the California VOCA Advocacy Alliance, a statewide coalition of organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of crime, advocates, and their communities, praised this move, stating, “Gov. Newsom and the legislature have temporarily stitched [the safety net] back together with their commitment to one-time backfill funding, ensuring that for now, victims will receive support during the most traumatic and dangerous times of their lives.” While grateful for the current funding, Glaser emphasized the need for ongoing financial commitment to ensure long-term stability for victims’ services in California. She said, “Our coalition will be back next year, urging Gov. Newsom and the Legislature to prioritize the needs of survivors of crime on an ongoing basis.” The budget also allocates $12 million to support the implementation of reparations legislation enacted into law this session. This funding aims to help address historical injustices and promote...