California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent budget revision has sparked controversy by proposing no funding for Proposition 36, which was passed with nearly 70 percent voter approval across all 58 counties. This law aims to replace incarceration with mandatory treatment for nonviolent drug offenders, but without financial support for mental health and substance abuse programs, its enforcement is jeopardized.
Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher criticized the governor, stating that Newsom is disregarding the electorate’s wishes and failing to deliver on promises of accountability.
At a press conference, Assembly Republicans were joined by district attorneys, law enforcement officials, and victim advocates who emphasized the necessity of funding to make Prop. 36 effective. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig urged the governor to respect the voters’ intent by fully funding treatment under the proposition.
Victim Advocate Angels Founder Alexa Hansen echoed this sentiment, urging immediate funding for Prop. 36 to prevent further victimization. Assembly Republicans committed to advocating for genuine reform, treatment, and public safety, emphasizing the need to highlight this perceived broken promise.
