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Panel declines governor’s request for a Department of Public Safety digital media specialist
Summary
The joint subcommittee did not approve governor‑recommended funding for a new digital media specialist position in the Department of Public Safety, rejecting the proposal to expand social media staffing.
The joint subcommittee declined the governor's recommendation to fund a new digital media specialist position in the Department of Public Safety, concluding that the requested cost allocation reimbursements should not be approved at this time.
Fiscal staff reported the governor proposed cost allocation reimbursement revenue of $91,088 in fiscal year 2026 and $115,528 in fiscal year 2027 to create the position beginning October 2025. DPS had argued the position would expand the agency’s social media presence, improve recruitment and community outreach, and free the Public Information Officer to respond to more media requests.
During the closing, Chair Taylor moved that the subcommittee not approve the recommended reimbursements and position; Assemblymember Brown‑May seconded the motion. The motion carried by voice vote.
Context: fiscal staff noted the Director’s Office currently has one Public Information Officer and that the digital media specialist would have primarily supported online engagement and content generation. The subcommittee did not adopt the governor’s recommendation for this position in the closing action.
