From Davis Vanguard

Sacramento, Calif., June 10, 2025 — In an opinion editorial published today, Davis Vanguard Editor and Founder David Greenwald highlights growing concerns about the recently announced legislative budget agreement and its failure to adequately fund implementation of Proposition 36, despite overwhelming voter support last November.

In the piece, Greenwald outlines concerns from across the spectrum – including from California Probation and state legislators – about the funding shortfall counties will face as they are expected to carry out the law’s provisions. 

“…State Sen. Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) called the figure “wholly inadequate.” Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) argued the proposal reflects partial progress, but not the full implementation that voters were promised. Republicans are pushing for $400 million, while Democratic Sen. Tom Umberg is calling for $250 million.

Chief probation officers, tasked with enforcing the law’s accountability provisions, were even more direct. 

“Without new dollars for supervision, drug offenders are less likely to complete treatment, and public safety is at risk,” said Steve Jackson, president of the Chief Probation Officers of California. “The one-time funds… are little more than window dressing.”

Jackson’s warning is rooted in real concern: without support for supervision, counties will struggle to enforce the treatment mandates, turning what was sold as an accountability measure into a toothless paper tiger. It’s also possible that defendants and district attorneys will eventually sue the state for failing to fund the very treatment programs that Prop. 36 requires.”

Read the full opinion editorial: Newsom Is Calling the Bluff on Prop. 36’s Gamble – Davis Vanguard