California lawmakers have approved a 2026-27 state budget that includes funding for several public safety initiatives championed by Assemblymember James C. Ramos, including ongoing support for efforts to address the state’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis, expanded judicial capacity, and continued investment in the 988 Crisis Lifeline.
Following legislative approval of the budget, Ramos praised both the Assembly and Senate for backing measures he said will strengthen public safety and improve services across California.
“I am gratified that both the state Assembly and Senate approved important public safety measures that I championed in the 2026-27 state budget,” Ramos said in a statement.
Among the approved items is funding for new judgeships aimed at increasing court capacity, particularly in the Inland Empire.
“The Legislature agrees that judges play a critical role for public safety, and we are committed to putting forth the funding necessary to support new judgeships and ensure our courts can effectively serve our communities, particularly those in the Inland Empire,” Ramos said. “Strengthening court capacity means faster access to justice, better outcomes for victims and safer neighborhoods. I am grateful for the advocacy and partnership of Inland Action in advancing these critical investments for our region.”
The budget also includes $15 million in ongoing grant funding to address California’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis. Ramos said the investment reflects the need for sustained action to confront the disproportionate violence affecting Native communities.
“It was also welcoming news to see that the budget sent to the governor also includes $15 million in ongoing grant funding to combat the Murdered and Missing Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis in California,” Ramos said. “We remain among the fifth highest in the nation in the number of unresolved MMIP cases. The ongoing trauma and consequences of such disproportionate violence affects generations, and it is time that we deal with this issue in a proactive, sustained manner.”
Lawmakers also approved continued funding for California’s 988 Crisis Lifeline, which Ramos described as a critical public safety resource.
“California’s Assembly and Senate agreed our 988 Crisis Lifeline is a critical public safety investment,” Ramos said. “Building on my work in 2020 to establish the Office of Suicide Prevention through AB 2112, the budget continues funding to ensure we meet growing demand and deliver timely, life saving care. I’m proud to work alongside 988 crisis call centers like Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, and other local providers serving our communities on the frontlines.”
The 2026-27 state budget now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration.
