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Today, Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom to urge him to allocate sufficient funding for the implementation of Proposition 36, which was overwhelmingly supported by California voters. This measure aims to hold repeat criminals accountable while encouraging essential drug treatment and mental health services to individuals who would otherwise go to jail.
Senator Niello, joined by his legislative colleagues in both the Senate and Assembly, asserted that the success of Proposition 36 implementation depends on well-funded mental health and substance abuse services. The Legislative Analyst’s Office indicates that Proposition 36 will increase state criminal justice costs by less than one half of one percent of the state’s total general fund budget.
“We are at a pivotal moment to make impactful changes that will hold criminals accountable and protect our businesses and communities,” said Niello who serves as the Vice Chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. “By allocating the necessary resources, we honor the will of the voters and take a significant step toward improving public safety by sending a clear message to criminals and drug offenders that we will not tolerate their criminal actions."
Greg Totten, Chief Executive Officer of the California District Attorneys Association, echoed the message, stating, “Our district attorneys witness daily the devastating toll of addiction and mental illness on our communities. Direct funding and enabling use of other funding sources for Prop. 36 are essential for reducing recidivism and ensuring public safety."
Governor Newsom must submit his budget proposal by January 10.