Dear CRA Members,
Wanted to share exciting news with you. Over the past few weeks, the CRA team has negotiated with the Governor's Office on funding to combat Organized Retail Crime in California to be included in his 2022 State Budget proposal that will be released in January.
Today, the Governor announced the following as a result of our conversations:
- 2 additional ORC task forces - Sacramento and Central Valley
-
PERMANENT funding for all 5 task forces
- $255 million over the next 3 years for local law enforcement related to retail theft
- $18 million to the Attorney General's office for dedicated prosecutors and investigators for Organized Retail Crime.
- $20 million for small business grants for those impacted by Organized Retail Crime.
- Money earmarked for cargo theft.
Two additional issues we continue to have conversations with the Governor's Office on include training on best practices regarding ORC investigations for local law enforcement and diversion programs/job training programs for retail theft. Those discussions will start back up in January.
Please read our press statement HERE.
Please read details of the Governor's announcement HERE.
I am proud of the work the CRA team on this -- it was a team effort, and I look forward to working on substantive policy issues next year that will result in greater security for retail employees, customers and the communities that retailers invest in.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Rachel
