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From Washington Examiner: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) is being criticized for not including new funding in his budget for an anti-crime ballot measure that he opposed but was overwhelmingly passed by voters last year.
The state’s attorney general broke with the governor last week, saying he believes Proposition 36, which increases penalties for repeated retail theft and fentanyl dealers, should be funded. It also mandates drug treatment for certain nonviolent drug offenders.
“The people of the state have spoken loud and clear,” state Attorney General Rob Bonta told KCRA 3 at a fentanyl-related news conference last week in Sacramento. “And so, I think getting funding for a full implementation is critical.”
Bonta added that despite the “difficult budget time,” he believed “the will of the people should be delivered.”
Newsom was forcefully opposed to the measure. Here’s what he said in December of 2024:
Prop 36 which was overwhelmingly passed by voters, offers harsher penalties for robbing and drug trafficking in California. Gavin Newsome OPPOSED it.
When he takes credit for crime going down, remember this video. pic.twitter.com/Ht7Doip89B
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 24, 2024
Ironically, Newsom’s recent revised state spending plan included extra funds for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The funding was intended to cover additional people being imprisoned due to Proposition 36.
California Assembly Republicans wrote on X:
“Nearly 70% passed Prop 36. Newsom gave it $0. He slashed courts, cut treatment, and left counties stuck. This is a slow-motion repeal. Fund Prop 36 or admit you’re killing public safety.”
🚨 Nearly 70% passed Prop 36. Newsom gave it $0.
He slashed courts, cut treatment, and left counties stuck. This is a slow-motion repeal.
Fund Prop 36 or admit you’re killing public safety.#CALeg #CABudget #Prop36 #RespectThePeople pic.twitter.com/4AnLsxjYWG
— California Assembly Republicans (@AsmRepublicans) May 28, 2025
READ MORE at WashingtonExaminer.
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