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County officials urge protection of community corrections and "impacts" grants as budget talks tighten
Summary
Deschutes County commissioners and staff urged legislators to preserve funding for community corrections, criminal-justice-commission (CJC) grants and related "impacts" programs, arguing those investments prevent costlier outcomes and urging targeted, concise advocacy to Ways and Means members.
On a conference call with state legislators, Deschutes County officials emphasized the local importance of community corrections funding, Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) grants and the county's impacts programs and asked for help protecting those programs as the legislature reassesses budgets.
County staff and commissioners warned that a tighter revenue picture and possible use of special purpose appropriations could leave these programs vulnerable to reductions. "I'm very worried about impacts now," Holly, a county staff member, said. County leaders urged short, targeted communications to Ways and Means co‑chairs and subcommittee chairs describing how these programs reduce downstream costs.
Why it matters: Participants argued that investments in deflection, stabilization and reentry services reduce longer‑term costs from incarceration, emergency medical care and homelessness. Staff asked for one‑page summaries and suggested attaching prior testimony and materials to keep communications concise and actionable for budget writers.
Legislators identified key committee contacts to receive reminders and briefing materials. County staff said Senator Broadbent, chair of the Public Safety Subcommittee, and other local delegation members are already aware of the programs and can be partners in protecting funding.
Ending: Officials agreed to prepare short, three‑paragraph reminder letters and bullet points on impacts, CJC and community corrections funding and to coordinate delivery to Ways and Means leaders and key subcommittee chairs.
