Prominent Elected Democrats Join Bipartisan Coalition Calling for Reforms to Prop. 47 to Encourage Drug Treatment and Hold Repeat Retail Theft Offenders Accountable
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 12, 2024) – Today, Democratic leaders representing diverse communities around California announced their support for Proposition 36, the November ballot measure that seeks to reform Proposition 47 by encouraging drug treatment and holding the worst retail-theft offenders accountable. The list includes representatives from around the state, including Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine), Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield), Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana), Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey), Assemblymember Jasmeet Baines (D-Delano), Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino), and Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove). These Democrats join a long list of elected officials who have endorsed Proposition 36, including San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and San Francisco London Breed.
“Proposition 36 addresses the urgent need to tackle the surges in retail theft and drug-related offenses. It seeks a sensible balance between enforcing accountability for repeat offenders and prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment to fix lives and prevent future crimes. Our communities are demanding safer environments, and Proposition 36 is a critical step in making that a reality.” – California State Senator Josh Newman
“Proposition 36 is a crucial and long-overdue measure. We must do more to hold bad actors accountable and protect our communities from rising crime and rampant drug use that’s plaguing our communities. Californians need to feel safe in their communities, and this measure is the right approach to get the Golden State back on track.” – California State Senator Melissa Hurtado
“Our communities are crying out for a reduction in crime. Reducing crime requires addressing its root causes, and Proposition 36 offers a vital solution by emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment over punishment. We’ve heard the pleas from California voters to clean up our streets from widespread drug use
and rising crime. And as a teacher for nearly 20 years, I know our students deserve safer streets as they walk to school. Now is the time to solve this problem that’s been plaguing the Golden State and only getting worse.”- California State Senator Susan Rubio
“As a former drug policy advisor to President Clinton, I fully support Proposition 36. This initiative addresses the devastating impact of homelessness, the fentanyl epidemic, and retail theft that are wreaking havoc on our communities and small businesses. Proposition 36 provides the incentive and opportunity for young offenders to redirect their lives by holding offenders responsible and providing pathways for rehabilitation. I urge my colleagues to join me in backing this important initiative.” – California State Senator Tom Umberg
“Proposition 36 is crucial for ensuring a more just and effective criminal justice system. By focusing on treatment rather than incarceration for drug offenses, we can address the root causes of addiction and reduce recidivism. This approach not only saves taxpayer money but also helps individuals rebuild their lives, contributing to safer and healthier communities across the state. It’s time to protect businesses from smash-and-grab retail crimes and prioritize rehabilitation over punishment by passing Proposition 36 – a compassionate and comprehensive solution.” – California State Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco
“I’m proud to have been among the first to endorse the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act because it offers targeted, commonsense solutions that will enhance public safety while providing much-needed support for mental health and addiction services. As a family doctor and addiction specialist who has seen so many lives lost due to illegal drugs hitting our streets, it’s clear that the status quo is not working. That’s why it is crucial that we pass this measure so that communities like Kern and others across the state have the tools they need to ensure accountability for those whose actions have destroyed innocent lives.” – California State Assemblymember Jasmeet Baines
“Californians want safer, stronger communities, and we’re falling short of meeting those needs. I called for an audit that highlighted the need for real reform. This is why I’m in strong support of Proposition 36. This measure is necessary to crack down on repeat offenders. We also need to hold drug offenders accountable by encouraging rehabilitation and recovery. For too long, we’ve failed to address this problem, and now crime and illegal drug use are out of control and plaguing our communities. By supporting Proposition 36, I stand with my fellow legislators to fix this crisis.” – California State Assemblymember James Ramos
“I am proud to support Proposition 36. This initiative is crucial for addressing the daily persistent issues that our communities and small businesses face in rising crime and severe drug use. This measure offers a balanced solution to these pressing problems by holding repeat offenders accountable and promoting
rehabilitation to help Californians through a compassionate approach.” – California State Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen
Prop 36 implements accountability measures for repeat offenders of theft and drug traffickers of serious drugs like
fentanyl while incentivizing and encouraging more individuals to participate in and complete drug treatment
programs. The measure creates a deterrent for repeat offenders and redirects some towards treatment rather than
incarceration
Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act will:
Hold those who are committing repeated retail theft and fentanyl sales crimes accountable for the safety and health of our communities.
Create accountability for repeat smash-and-grab offenders who drive up costs for all Californians and chase retailers out of the state.
Bring back incentives and accountability needed for individuals to get into necessary drug treatment and job training programs — helping them begin new lives. Currently, those arrested multiple times for hard drug use have no incentive to choose treatment.
For more information, please visit VoteYesProp36.com.