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Facing ‘Devastating’ Shortfall From COVID-19, LA County CEO Recommends Hundreds of Layoffs
Officers from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department guard an intersection outside the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles on Feb. 8, 2013. (Christopher Okula/KPCC)
The L.A. County CEO says the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic -- including a sharp dropoff in tax revenues and the cost of emergency measures to confront the virus -- have been widespread and catastrophic for county resources.
In a new budget revision released Thursday, CEO Sachi Hamai recommends hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts that would hit nearly every part of county government, including the Sheriff's Department.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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