Chico Times

On June 11, 2024, Legislative Republicans convened at the Capitol alongside law enforcement officials and public safety advocates to criticize Democrat-sponsored amendments to a bipartisan public safety bill package. These amendments would automatically repeal the bills if voters approve an initiative to roll back Proposition 47, potentially forcing voters into choosing between the ballot measure and legislative efforts aimed at enhancing public safety.

The amendments also grant Democrat Attorney General Rob Bonta the authority to revise the initiative’s title and summary with language perceived as biased. Bonta’s office recently declined to commit to drafting an impartial title and summary based on these amendments.

“Democrats have reached a new low with their dishonesty and deception on these efforts to improve public safety,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City). “Californians are fed up with Democrats’ pro-criminal policies turning our streets into a war zone. Not a single person believes Democrats are serious about fighting retail theft – they’re just serious about dodging responsibility for it.”

Homelessness has increased nearly 60% from 2014 to 2023, while retail theft continues to impact small businesses and elevate consumer costs.

“This is a prime example of California Democrats’ corrupt, closed-door politics at its worst,” stated Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego). “Jamming poison pill amendments into bipartisan measures is not just pure political gamesmanship; it’s cynical and anti-democracy. Democrats are too prideful to admit their mistake with Prop 47 and are now trying to manipulate voters into a false choice. There is no reason why we can’t have both a pragmatic series of bills and voter-led reforms to tackle crime.”

Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) added, “Despite being labeled as ‘the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act,’ Proposition 47 has failed to protect our communities and businesses. It is crucial that we fix the public safety problems by holding criminals accountable and making our communities safer. The Democratic leadership is trying to confuse the public about this important ballot initiative that would result in stronger penalties for drug- and theft-related crimes. Californians deserve a fair and honest path to reform, not political deception that endangers our communities.”

Republicans argue that Legislative Democrats prioritize political maneuvering over practical solutions, potentially undermining significant bipartisan legislative efforts aimed at improving public safety.

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