The Honorable Jesse Gabriel
Chair, Assembly Committee on Budget
1021 O Street, Suite 8230
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Comprehensive Proposition 36 Funding
Dear Chair Gabriel,
In an effort to ensure the safety of our communities, I write to support defending money already allocated to Proposition 36 and respectfully request additional comprehensive and ongoing funding for full implementation.
The budget the Legislature passed includes an important investment of $110 million for behavioral health and trial services. I encourage further negotiations to protect the current $110 million investment, but I join concerns expressed by law enforcement that this funding will not be enough to fully fund Proposition 36. I am writing to request the full $400 million needed to support interventions in the community and the custodial implications of enhanced accountability. Estimates from counties suggest that $400 million in total funds would be necessary to support prosecutorial efforts and increased judicial workload related to statutory changes made by Proposition 36. The proposed funding allocated doesn’t fully consider the roles other entities play in delivering law enforcement and treatment programs as a part of comprehensive public safety, enhanced supervision, and accountability.
As a survivor of crime and as a mom, it is a top priority of mine to ensure our community is safe from violence and crime. I urge negotiations with the Governor’s Office to seek additional funding to fully fund all elements of the ballot measure.
We appreciate your consideration, and should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my staff at 916-319-2040.
Sincerely,
Pilar Schiavo
Assemblywoman, 40th District