Californians want tougher penalties for crimes. Gavin Newsom, get on board | Opinion

In a few weeks, Gov. Gavin Newsom will issue his May revise budget — the revenue and spending plan for 2025-26 that more accurately reflects California’s economic conditions.

In January, he introduced a $229 billion general fund budget that included a small funding surplus of $363 million. But since that projection, President Trump has created havoc in the global economy with tariffs on friends and foes alike. Given California’s major exporting economy, tariffs applied by other nations in retaliation are expected to drastically reduce sales to those countries, such as China. That means less tax revenues for the state.

Dan Walters, a Sacramento veteran and columnist for the online news site CalMatters, expects the small surplus will transform into “a substantial additional deficit — on top of the deficit that he (Newsom) and the Legislature papered over with $11 billion in various so-called ‘solutions.’”

One of the things still to be decided is just how much to allocate to counties to carry out the wishes of voters when they passed Proposition 36 last fall. That measure toughens penalties for drug and theft crimes, especially for repeat offenders, and requires addicts to get treatment.

The measure achieved something remarkable: It passed in every one of California’s 58 counties. Voters were clearly tired of smash-and-grab robberies and open-air drug dealing, so they ramped up the consequences for those who get caught. Statewide, 68% of voters approved the measure.

But money for the new treatment centers or court personnel has yet to materialize, and some legislators are concerned.

Funding needed to back Proposition 36

As reported by Kate Wolffe of The Sacramento Bee, Republicans in the statehouse have criticized Newsom for not funding the law. “They said Newsom, who opposed the measure, is ignoring the will of the people.

“On the county level, local sheriffs, public defenders and judges have testified the law is jamming up courts, straining a thin treatment infrastructure and stranding some people in jail. Many county representatives say they need significant funding for more treatment and judicial manpower.”

Lawmakers are taking a lead on funding. “State Sen. Thomas Umberg, D-Santa Ana, who supported the measure last fall, is requesting $250 million annually for the law’s implementation,” Wolffe reported, “and Senate Republicans, led by state Sen. Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, are requesting $400 million.”

Wolffe said the legislators will work with Newsom on budget priorities, but that funding remains unsure given expected tight revenues.

A Newsom representative told Wolffe that Newsom will “ensure the law is operationalized,” whatever that means.

I got a similar response from a spokeswoman in the governor’s press office. I asked if there would be money in the May revised budget for Proposition 36. The answer: “There are ongoing overall budget conversations. Our office looks forward to landing a final budget.”

Overwhelming voter support for measure

Seventy-five percent of Fresno County’s voters approved Proposition 36. Here are more results from the Central Valley:

▪ Sacramento County, 68% yes

▪ Stanislaus County, 75% yes

▪ Merced County, 73% yes

▪ Madera County, 77% yes

▪ Kings County, 78% yes

▪ Tulare County, 76% yes

Even San Luis Obispo County, which trends more liberal being on the coast, passed it with a 66% approval.

Newsom may not have liked Proposition 36, but it is now the law. Budget considerations are real, but so is the will of the voters. That could not be more plain.

Governor, sit with your Democratic lawmaker colleagues and figure out how to put Proposition 36 into the budget. Otherwise, Democrats risk the wrath of their voters in the next election.