NE Sacramento News

Senator Roger Niello has called on Governor Gavin Newsom to provide adequate funding for Proposition 36, a measure aimed at holding repeat offenders accountable while promoting drug treatment and mental health services. The proposition, which received strong support from California voters, seeks to divert individuals from jail into necessary treatment programs.

Niello emphasized the importance of well-funded mental health and substance abuse services for the successful implementation of Proposition 36. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the proposition is expected to increase state criminal justice costs by less than one half of one percent of the state's total general fund budget.

"We are at a pivotal moment to make impactful changes that will hold criminals accountable and protect our businesses and communities," said Niello, who is also Vice Chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. "By allocating the necessary resources, we honor the will of the voters and take a significant step toward improving public safety by sending a clear message to criminals and drug offenders that we will not tolerate their criminal actions."

Greg Totten, CEO of the California District Attorneys Association, supported Niello's call for funding. "Our district attorneys witness daily the devastating toll of addiction and mental illness on our communities. Direct funding and enabling use of other funding sources for Prop. 36 are essential for reducing recidivism and ensuring public safety," he stated.