D.A. Vows to Fight Cuts in His Budget

Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley said the county has proposed to cut his budget by $8.4 million, which he said would hamper his ability to fight welfare fraud and prosecute high-profile cases like the Rampart scandal.

In a meeting with aides to the five county supervisors, Cooley said next year’s budget plan relies too heavily on state grants dedicated to specific programs and staff.

Without more county funds, he said, he would lack flexibility to handle major cases that might arise.

The D.A.’s office is facing its first budget cuts since the 1993-94 fiscal year. The county proposes to contribute $115 million to his $240.4-million budget next year. The rest would come from state and federal grants.

Among the county’s proposed cuts is $2.4 million earmarked for investigating and prosecuting welfare fraud. “We are inviting huge fraud that will embarrass this county,” Cooley said.

He promised to fight for an additional $20 million to make up for the $8.4-million cut and the loss of state grants and to fund new programs.

The Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing June 17 on the district attorney’s budget.