Chico Times

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) and Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego) have announced their opposition to a Democrat-led effort they describe as interfering with California’s initiative process. In a letter addressed to Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate pro Tempore Mike McGuire, the Republican leaders criticized the addition of language that would automatically repeal several bills addressing retail theft if voters pass the Homelessness, Drug Addiction & Theft Reduction Act.

“Democrats need to stop playing politics with public safety and let voters decide on fixing Prop. 47,” said Leader Gallagher. “These poison pills show that Democrats aren’t serious about ending the crime wave–they just want to look like they’re doing something because their years-long support for criminals has become a political liability.”

The letter urges legislative leaders not to support any legislation containing language that undermines Californians’ right to vote on the initiative aimed at repealing parts of Proposition 47.

“To combat the California crime wave, we need to strengthen our laws, both in the Legislature and at the ballot box,” said Leader Jones. “It’s irresponsible to force voters into a false choice between the two. Unfortunately, some Democrat politicians are too prideful to admit their mistake with Prop 47 and they continue to deny the desperate need for reform. The Democrats’ poison pill amendments are a cynical attempt to mislead voters and prevent the necessary overhaul of our broken laws.”