Newsom is Defying Voters on Prop 36

Media
Aug 4
1 min read

County of San Diego Supervisor Jim Desmond

Less than a year ago, California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36 to close the loopholes that allowed repeat theft and drug offenses to go unchecked. With nearly 70% support, voters demanded stronger penalties for criminals and better tools to get addicts into treatment.

But Governor Gavin Newsom is refusing to fund Prop 36. He opposed it from the start, and now he’s ignoring the will of the people by leaving counties without the resources they need to enforce the law.

What’s at Stake

Prop 36 rolls back the failures of Prop 47, which allowed theft up to $950 per incident with no real consequences.
Prosecutors and law enforcement need resources to hold repeat offenders accountable and get addicts off the streets.
Newsom’s budget allocates zero funding, undermining the very law Californians voted for.

The Legislature provided a fraction of what’s needed—just $110 million in one-time funds. Experts say $250–$400 million is required to make Prop 36 effective. Without proper funding, smash-and-grab robberies and retail theft will continue to rise.

The Bottom Line

This is political retribution, plain and simple. Newsom is thumbing his nose at voters who demanded change. We cannot allow Sacramento to ignore the will of the people.

I’m fighting to hold the Governor accountable and make sure Prop 36 is fully funded—because public safety isn’t optional.