Does California Desperately Need to Increase Penalties for Drug and Theft Crimes?

Does California Desperately Need to Increase Penalties for Drug and Theft Crimes?

Here’s The Scoop

California Governor Gavin Newsom is once again under fire, this time from California Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley, who blasted Newsom for his underhanded efforts to prevent the passage of Proposition 36.

This vital proposition, known as the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,” has garnered widespread support from mayors and district attorneys across the state, from San Francisco to San Diego.

Proposition 36 aims to amend Proposition 47, the disastrous 2014 initiative that downgraded many serious crimes to misdemeanors and set a ludicrously high $950 threshold for felony shoplifting.

Proposition 36 would allow prosecutors to charge certain drug possession cases as “treatment-mandated felonies,” reintroducing much-needed toughness to California’s criminal justice system.

Governor Newsom, however, is obstructing this common-sense reform, claiming it will drastically increase the prison population and burden taxpayers.

“We’re working on a targeted and specific effort with the Legislature that doesn’t require going on the ballot,” Newsom said, dismissively referring to Proposition 36’s supporters as wanting to revert to outdated policies.

Congressman Kiley didn’t hold back, calling out Newsom for undermining the democratic process.

“Proposition 47 has led to a surge in theft, other crimes, homelessness, drug use, drug overdoses, and countless other issues,” Kiley declared on the House floor. “The initiative has qualified for the ballot and will be voted on by Californians this November. I believe it will pass overwhelmingly despite Governor Newsom’s corrupt schemes.”

Kiley recounted Newsom’s multiple attempts to block Proposition 36: from trying to prevent it from getting enough signatures to pressuring organizers to withdraw it, to inserting confusing amendments into public safety bills. The latest stunt involved introducing a watered-down competing initiative past the deadline, designed solely to confuse voters and nullify Proposition 36, even if it passed with significant support.

“The governor’s actions are a blatant attempt to undermine the democratic process and keep our communities unsafe,” Kiley stated. “It’s crucial for all Americans to recognize when an elected official, like Governor Newsom, directly seeks to subvert democracy.”

Kiley’s impassioned speech unveils the sinister lengths to which Newsom is willing to go to maintain his failed policies, policies that have left Californians less safe and more burdened by crime and addiction. The fight for Proposition 36 is a fight for restoring sanity and safety to California’s streets, and it’s time for voters to take a stand.

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