Earlier this month, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his proposed 2022-23 budget – the California Blueprint – which includes $2 billion in funding and 1,507 positions for Cal OES. Serving as the state’s leadership hub during all major emergencies and disasters, the proposed funding will strengthen Cal OES’ ability to address the more frequent, complicated, and often simultaneous emergencies and disasters involving numerous counties and regions across the state.
The collateral and cascading impacts of California’s disaster events are reflected in the increasingly widespread damages, injuries, loss of lives, and economic disruptions that the state has experienced in recent years.
Below are videos detailing how the proposed budget will continue to provide Cal OES the valuable resources to assist Californians in preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters.
California Earthquake Early Warning System – $17.1 million in ongoing funding to support education and outreach, operations, and research and development of the California Earthquake Early Warning Program.
Implementing a 988 Suicide Hotline—$7.5 million in funding and 10 positions to implement a new federally mandated 988 call system to increase the ease and accessibility to provide help for those considering suicide or self-harm.
Modernizing All Hazard Response and Mutual Aid System Through Technology – $30 million and 31 positions for an advanced aircraft to be part of the Fire Integrated Real-time Intelligence System (FIRIS) program to increase the real-time information and situational awareness available to the state and California’s mutual aid system responders and managers on all hazards events, including wildfires.
Enhancing the Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid Fire Fleet – $11.2 million in funding and 11 positions to enhance the California State Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System’s fire fleet.
Expanding Disaster Logistics Capabilities – $4.9 million in funding and 21 positions to improve Cal OES’ core operations and effectiveness, foster quality improvement projects, and enhance emergency response capabilities.
For a complete breakdown of the proposed budget, click here.