METRO ATLANTA – This is a $ 75 million proposal that would be directed to law enforcement, judicial, and mental health services in the state of Georgia.
And while it’s not currently law, Georgia’s House spokesman David Ralston plans to push for funding during the 2022 legislature.
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Ralston made the announcement Tuesday at the Jekyll Island District Attorney’s Summer Training Conference.
He stated that $ 25 million would be used for a one-time bonus for law enforcement officers and the remaining funds would be used for psychiatric training for state law enforcement, judicial and mental health agencies.
“We owe it to our communities to strengthen law enforcement and mental health care at a time when crime and the number of people in need of mental health are increasing dramatically in some areas of our state,” said Ralston. “This proposal is a proposal I am proud of and the House of Representatives will stand firmly behind it if we consider it part of our 2022 budget process.”
Ralston told prosecutors that he is demanding a one-time bonus of $ 1,000 for each POST-certified local police officer and deputy sheriff, and that the money will be provided through a grant process. He says the money cannot be used for any other purpose.
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Ralston’s proposal for the $ 50 million includes; $ 20 million for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, $ 10 million for raises for prosecutors and public defenders, the balance for other agency inquiries and program requirements focused on mental health services.
The GBI funds would be used to fund new personnel for death investigations, forensic services and specialized task forces.
Ralston’s proposal would also add funds to the GBI to launch investigations into suspected election fraud. Earlier this week, Channel 2 Action News reported Ralston’s motion to the GBI to initiate a review of Fulton County’s 2020 election results, which the county declined.
Currently, the agency cannot intervene in such matters unless the affected county asks for its help.
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Finally, Ralston said his proposal would direct $ 7 million to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to add crisis beds. $ 2 million would be used on raise wages and staff for the Georgia law courts. An additional $ 3 million in agency funds would be used to fight crime in the city of Atlanta.
“I’ve said many times that in order to keep being a great state, we need to focus on being a good state – one that takes care of those who need it,” said Ralston. “Mental health affects almost every family in this state, so investing in mental health services and our justice courts is not only good business – it’s a way to help people recover and get back together with their families.”
The entire plan will be examined in the next legislative period, which begins in January 2022.
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