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Committee hears CASA funding shortfall, Second Judicial District requests $77,900 enhancement
Summary
LSO staff told senators that the Second Judicial District's CASA program seeks a $77,900 General Fund pass-through for FY2027 to cover recruitment, training, lease and insurance costs; staff noted the program currently receives $224,000 in pass-through funding and reported recruitment challenges tied to rural geography.
Members heard details about financing shortfalls for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program in the Second Judicial District. Janica Bisharat (LSO) said the CASA program currently receives $224,000 in pass-through funding and is seeking an additional $77,900 for FY2027 to support a trainer or recruiter, auditing costs, office lease expenses, and insurance required by statute.
Senator Wintrow asked whether additional information from the committee discussion could be shared; Bisharat said CASA annual reports (by district) are available through the legislative portal and described recruitment and fundraising challenges in the Second Judicial District attributable to its rural and remote geography. The committee did not adopt funding at this meeting; the request was presented as part of the FY2027 budget review.
