TAP DANCING AROUND THE ISSUE

By Bob Walsh

 

 

In November California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36.  This was an attempt to deal with the massive increases in organized retail theft and a need for drug treatment for offenders.  It passed in all 58 counties, even LA and SF.  

Gavin Newsom hates it.  The legislature hates it.  Both did everything they could do stop it.  They are still doing that, by refusing to fund the programs.

Newsom just announced "new" funding of $127 million for Prop 36.  It isn't new.  It is merely permission to divert funding form other areas into Proposition 36 programs.  It is still grossly underfunded.  County governments are pointing this out, much to Gavin's unhappiness.  Most recently the California State Association of Counties is calling the governor to task over this.  They assert that Prop 36 is underfunded by about 75% compared what is needed to make it effective.  Since the governor clearly WANTS it to fail the fact that it is underfunded probably doesn't bother him too much.