Addressing Chronic Vacancies in Prison Mental Health Care

Feb 23, 2026 - However, smaller pay increases, such as cost ‑of ‑living increases, or increases targeted at specific geographic regions, or providers working in specific settings, may still be appropriate in the near term.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5134

The 2026-27 Budget: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Feb 23, 2026 - For various reasons, including that current CDCR compensation appears to meet or exceed market rates and factors outside of compensation likely play a major role in the state ’s ability to staff mental health positions, we do not find across ‑the ‑board compensation increases to be a cost ‑effective strategy, though more targeted increases could be appropriate.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137